every man on the things o f others” grips him, he begins to see that here is the key that unlocks the door into other people’s hearts; for as he takes an- interest in other people, their problems, their hobbies, their accomplishments, he finds a world of fascinating people about him, and he finds that they re spond with their friendship to his inter est. "Going the second mile,” doing the thing above and beyond the call o f duty of the accepted standards o f the world’s level of friendship, creates in others a wonderment as to the secret o f person ality that will call forth such actions. And then potential enemies are made friends. The 13th chapter o f Paul’s letter to the Corinthians becomes a guide for action. From it he learns that the true friend has forbearance for others, does not envy, is free from conceit, is kind and thoughtful, has confidence and trust in his fellows, watches his tongue so that unkind words do not pass his lips. Certainly these are sound principles for the maintaining of friendship. The familiar law that like begets like is just as true in the area of personality as it is in the field of biology. These qualities implanted by the Spirit of God in the human heart will produce friendship in others. Thus, the greatest guarantee of a life free from loneliness, a life filled with friendships is in the possibility o f the i n d w e l l i n g Christ, dwelling in our hearts by faith. The Apostle Paul says that this is a great mystery but a tre mendous reality — that Christ is in you. To His disciples, Jesus said, "Hence forth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard o f my Father I have made known unto you” (John 15:15). Thus there is pro vided for us a divine, eternal friendship with one who has said: "He that be- lieveth on me shall never- die.” And through that friendship there is avail able to us the secret and the key to all friendships. Such a person will never say, "Well, I would like to have one person that I could call a friend” for his friends will be without number. END.
anointed the feet of Jesus; a stingy, hard-hearted tax collector changed to a warm-hearted philanthropist as was Zacchaeus, a bigoted provincial national ist transformed into a Christian philoso pher with a passionate love for people and a world view that swept the ages, as was the Apostle Paul. With such a concept o f people, no one need be lone ly for there are potential friends all about us waiting for the Christ-touch in our lives to touch them. All o f the above is made possible as one recognizes the truth o f the words of St. Augustine: "Thou hast made us for Thyself and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in Thee.” Apart from God man is basically lonely. Apart from Him, life can never find its fullest satisfactions. The fruits of friendship can be anticipated, tasted, but never fully realized. For right reT lationship to God gives a release from those qualities of personality — self- centeredness, selfishness, egotism — that destroy friendship, and in their place gives those qualities of love, for bearance, patience, understanding —- qualities on which lasting friendship is built. It takes a supernatural love for one’s fellows to give the ultimate in friendship. As one experiences the right perpendicular relationship be tween himself and God, he wants a new horizontal relationship between himself and his fellows, in order that they may find the serenity, the peace, the tranquility o f spirit that he has found. The word of the Apostle Paul in re spect to the power o f Christ to break down barriers is found to be true in his own life, and the love of Christ in his heart melts prejudice, removes bitter ness, giving a true perspective to hu man differences. One has well put it, he has the "priceless gift of seeing with the heart rather than with the eyes.” And he finds the Bible to be the great est textbook on friendship. Says Solomon: "A friend loveth at all times, and is a brother born for adversity.” "Faithful are the wounds of a friend.” "There is a friend that stick- eth closer than a brpther.” As the truth o f Paul’s words, "Let not every man think on his own things but
for what he is. They cannot be camou flaged. But there is a higher level o f friend ship based on fundamental principles of human relations and social interac tion. It is seen among the people of every race, and in every culture. The literature o f all peoples gives idealistic accounts of its operation. Many o f its basic qualities are easily distinguishable ■—•mutual trust, confidence in one an other, love that overlooks petty faults, the enjoyment of companionship, the desire to share experiences and gifts, mutual helpfulness, the sharing o f joys and sorrows. These are some o f the qualities of true friendship. But it is interesting to note that while these qualities are found in every cul ture to some extent, yet they are inher ent in the Christian faith, and they can only find their highest fulfillment in those who have a vital relationship to God. There is a human level on which these qualities are seen, but there is a higher level — a "plus” level, dynamic and outgoing, for the individual whose life is devoted and surrendered to Christ. In the gospel according to St. Mat thew, Jesus graphically distinguishes be tween the two levels. Said He, it is easy enough to love those who love you, to give gifts to those who reciprocate by giving gifts to you. In other words, it is the natural thing to practice the prin ciples of friendship with people who are lovable, friendly and compatible. Anyone can do this. But said Jesus, "What do ye more than others?” Thus there is a higher, dynamic level to which God calls —-7 a level which gives personality a completeness, a satis faction, a joy, a maturity found in no other way. The little petty trifles, hurts, bickerings of the lower level drop off. We look at people from another point of view. As our emotions, our desires are cleansed from the sins o f selfishness and self-centeredness, the love of God enables us to see all people as potential friends; not as they are at the moment, but as what they can become through the grace of God. We are given the Christ-outlook in regard to people — the possibility of a saintly character created in the life of a fallen woman, as the woman who
11
M A Y , 19 5 6
Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker