Friendship Factors

FRIENDSHIP FACTORS

Friendship Is World-Wide

You've probably heard that "a friend is a present you give yourself." I think that's true, as far as it goes. But a one-sided friendship wears down and fades away after while.

Amos 3:3 asks a good question: Do two walk together, except they make an appointment and have agreed? (Amplified Version)

True friendship is a two-sided connection. While you are being a friend to have a friend, they are doing the same thing in reverse. Long-lasting friendship is the giving and receiving kind.

Friends Enjoy Life Together

Let's consider some positive friendship factors:

1) A friend knows your faults, but chooses to like you anyway.

2) They encourage your dreams and listen to your problems.

3) A friend catches your humor, and you catch theirs.

4) You share mutual interests in hobbies, entertainment, and spiritual things.

5) Your friendship communication is strong both in person and by other means.

6) When traveling together you make allowances for each other's peculiarities.
7) Each of you are free to share ideas when making plans.

8) Disagreements are worked out, not left to fester.

Healthy friendships allow for differences. Take food, for example. Dietary needs for one will be accommodated by the other. Why? The value is in the friendship, not the food.

A true friend is generous with your time as well as theirs. They are not possessive. They understand when you don't have time for them due to work or family responsibilities. 

They are willing to wait until you can connect again. Their friendship door always says, "Open."

Be Alert for Chocolate Chips

I smiled when I saw this coffee cup slogan: Friends are the chocolate chips in the cookie of life. My sentiment, exactly.

Paying attention to friendship factors enriches our lives: 1) We can sweeten someone else's life, and 2) they can sweeten ours.