Recently, I’ve been studying the ways the scriptures talk about friendship. These stories are usually sweet and poignant.
Jonathan was a friend who put David’s needs above his own and protected David from danger.
Ruth went beyond that which was required of her and reached out to Naomi in comfort and friendship.
Job’s friends mourned with him, and tried to help Job carry his burdens during his trials.
There are friends who trust you with their lives.
There are friends who defend your integrity.
There is also a story of Moroni, in the Book of Mormon, that tells of the years he spent wandering and alone, the last of his people. He had no family and no friends, but he had plenty of enemies that wanted him dead. My heart cries out for the pain and sorrow his life must have contained during that time. It is a great blessing to have these true friends in life. It is also a blessing that is often overlooked.
But, perhaps the best description of a friend comes from Jesus Christ, Himself.
John 15:13-14– But, perhaps the greatest statement on friendship comes from the Savior Himself.
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.
I can think no greater compliment than to be called Christ’s friend. He carries the best attributes of a friend. Not only those I have identified from various scriptures, but every good gift of friendship that can be conceived. He will never abandon us. He will always stand behind us, support us, and guide us. He offers peace and comfort. He offers council, and understanding. He atoned for our sins, so that we could stand before God clean. He died for us, and was resurrected, to open the gateway for our restored lives as well. He is the Exemplar, the Savior, the Elder Brother, the Good Shepherd, and the Advocate. He is our friend.
All He asks in return is to live up to the potential for good that He knows we have by following His commandments. I want and need His divine friendship, so I will follow.
