JOY OF FRIENDSHIP

A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. (Prov 18:24KJV)

A friend is one other than a family member, spouse or lover whose company one enjoys and towards whom one feels affection. A friend is an associate who provides assistance, a companion like a brother,  a confidant; someone you share stuff with, an or ally.
These are vital, classic and basic definitions that fit properly into this discourse. A friend is your buddy, pal, acquaintance, mate. Friends are crucial in life and it is the highest form of any relationship. (Jn 15:15).

Friends relate in the friend zone from which features of the 4 types of love can be identified. These are Eros;which is the presence of physical passion, Storge is family or natural bond, Phileo is the friendship affection and the crown of them all is Agape which is the God kind of love without which the others can not exist. The highest form of commitment, respect and love is demonstrated in friendship. They said "See how he loved him" - Jn 11:36. This was Jesus when he visited the tomb of Lazarus. It was earlier established that they were good friends (verse 11). Friends go the extra mile, watch each others back and stay glued to themselves. You can maximize your friendship and gain the best out of it by exploiting the following:

1) Define It: You are only fine in a relationship that is defined. To define your friendship means to establish the purpose you were meant to be in each others lives and also to set boundaries. Why did I meet him at such a time as this? What is her role in my life at this phase/juncture of my life? When you both are able to answer these questions and more, you will not only appreciate yourselves but also maximize the bond. Secondly, to enjoy the relationship, boundaries must be set. Both parties must agree on 'dos' and 'donts'. Your bodies may suggest otherwise but the standing protocol of your friendship must always override.

2) Protect It: Forces from within and without are usually aimed at tearing friends apart; most of which are without. When you have defined your relationship, external forces (aggression) from people and the environment will always exert pressure. It is however your responsibilities to protect yourselves in your friend zone. Protection in this sense means being there for each other and standing up for each other. You are there for him/her when verbal confrontations from family, friends and colleagues are fired against your friend whether in his/her presence/absence. You stand for each other when financial, emotional, spiritual or physical challenges creep in. You watch each others backs and speak the truth in love always as well as remain connected as much as possible.

3) Build It: Lasting relationships are only possible where friendship exists. Your friendship can advance to a greater level by natural systematic progression. This means when there is an advancement, assurance and need to take your relationship to a brighter note, consider it a necessary option. Your friend can become your business partner, your spiritual partner, your confidant or even your spouse. The height of friendship is to behold each other in the face and say "Thank you for being in my life". Irrespective of the friendship outcomes; the common denominators are the blessedness, enjoyment and peace gained by the union. Keep good friends; define it, protect it and build it for in life,  relationships are as important as the air we breath.