Árdís - 01.01.1962, Síða 28

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ÁRDÍS
"You Are My Friends If You
Do What I Command You"
JOHN 15:14
One of the most beautiful words in the English language is
the word “FRIEND”. A blessed and sacred word! Around it clusters
so many of our sweetest memories and fondest recollections.
Friendship is indispensable. We all need friends. We cannot
live without social sympathy and companionship. When I say this
I am not unmindful of the fact that many people live in complete
isolation. There have always been hermi'ts and anchorites who have
chosen to live alone—who never had any friends nor desired any.
Most of us need someone to whom we can tell our troubles
and with whom we can share our joys. Someone who, without
flattery, will commend anything praise-worthy in our life and
character, and who, in accents of love, will point out our many
faults. Someone who will steady us when we are slipping on the
highway of life. Someone who understands us because of loving
us. If you have a friend like that, you are most fortunate—your
greatest darkness will have light and your blackest day a sun!
Charles Kingsley was asked about his congenial disposition
and his successful career. He answered: “I have a friend!” I am
not a Charles Kingsley, but I can say joyfully: “I have a Friend”—
and I want Him to be the Friend of all my friends. I am referring,
of course, to our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
What are the characteristics of true friendship?
1. A true friend is always accessible. He is never too busy
for you. A warm welcome always awaits you. For you the latch-
string is always out. You are immediately invited to the home
and hearth. True friendship is ever characterized by a loving fel-
lowship.
It may seem altogether too good to be true when I say that
Jesus is our most accessible Friend. His Lordship and Infinitude
does not prevent that. If He is truly ours, He dwells in our hearts,