I get by with a little help from my friends

Friendship is the underrated art of modern times. 

Let's be honest, Friendship is: 

Difficult                                       Stressful

Demanding                                Subjective

Risky

It is also:

Reassuring                       Supportive

Entertaining                       Healing 

Teaching

So, according to God, what is friendship?  

He has already set the ultimate example: 

2 Corinthians 1:4

Praise be to the God and Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God." 

The key words: Compassion and Comfort. If you don't remember where this verse is cited, and you cannot quote it on cue, just remember those two words. 

~Compassion

~Comfort

He did/does it for us, and we are to do it for others. 

I hate to break it to you, but there is no such thing as a "fair weather friend"

Galations 6:2

"Carry each other's burden's, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." 

This reminds me of that old song "Lean on me". 

Now, when you it the "real world" this is a concept that is shockingly easier said than done. It's quite easy to become self-centric with the worries of the world, but put simply, if you are baring other's burdens, there will always be someone willing to bare yours. 

You have to keep it real:

James 5:16

"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective."

There are 3 parts to this. 

Part one: Being willing to air your dirty laundry so it can be washed. 

Part two: Praying for each other in LOVE without condemnation.

Part three: Having faith in the healing power of prayer.... powerful.... effective

Nobody is perfect. We need to accept the fact that sometimes our friends will hurt us or themselves and we need to love them anyway.

1 Peter 4:8

"Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins."

Comfort, Compassion, Carry the burdens, be real, pray, and love love love love love 

Thank you Lord for setting the ultimate example of love and friendship. Please unite your people and give us all the strength love one another the way you love us.