Team JRunning

“A friend is one who strengthens you in prayer, blesses you with love, and encourages you with hope.”

A true friend

Looking for a meaningful topic for this issue’s article had been difficult. The idea, however, came unexpectedly during one weekend. It was from an episode about friendship of a popular television series which featured young people.
These days it is hard to find a person with whom you can share your dreams, your victory or your defeat. It is difficult to find someone you can trust, someone you can depend on, someone you can express your feelings to without fear of rejection.
As friends, the youngsters in the show were able to experience love and concern for one another. Then of course, there were times when this was not the case. Notwithstanding the sorrow and pain, they remained friends. Why? Because they learned to accept one another for who and what they are. They were willing to humbly ask for forgiveness and ready to give the same. They learned to be sensitive to the needs of another and give wholehearted support. They sowed words of encouragement. Love for a friend meant willingness to make sacrifices, even to risk one’s own life if necessary. Aptly enough, the title of the episode was “Insights”.
In our daily living, have we found someone whom we can consider as a true friend? Have we treasured this person? Have we learned to show understanding, acceptance and forgiveness for whatever pain may have been inflicted on us? Are we willing to give our life to this person we call “friend”?
Someone was able to do all of these. His name is Jesus. And He is waiting for us to accept the friendship He is giving.

Published: NAMRIA Newsletter, Vol.5, No.3, July-September, 2001