Simply being a friend to count on

Counting friends on facebook, friendster or other social networking sites could be as easy as 1-2-3, you can add as many and as fast as you can. But did you try recently counting friends you know you can truly count on? Can they also count on you? How should we act and react towards them?

Being faithful

A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Prov 18:24

Do not forsake your friend and the friend of your father, and do not go to your brother's house when disaster strikes you, better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away. Prov 27:10

Goes well with the saying “A friend in need is a friend indeed!” There are times when we have gotten into a very difficult situation or bewilderment when we need support from people whom we thought are our friends, but to our disappointment they have abandoned us instead, we only came to realize who are true when we have gotten into a situation where it can be proved. Yes it could be late, but it is really worth knowing this people. Family members or relatives cannot always be there to help us in times of need, friends could really come handy when something happens.

Being unselfish

Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act. Do not say to your neighbor, "Come back later; I'll give it tomorrow" when you now have it with you. Prov 3:27-28

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. Prov 17:17 

Being generous and kind to others would make them want to do the same to you in return of what you did for them. Kindness cannot be easily forgotten, it could start a relationship involving mutual exchange. Filipinos would call that “utang na loob”, it is a cultural trait similar to a debt of gratitude.

Being nonjudgmental

A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor, but a man of uderstanding holds his tounge. Prov 11:12

We often befriend a person because someone is like that or someone is like this, then we suddenly become disappointed upon knowing that particular person is not whom we thought they could be. Who are we to judge anyway? Are we doing what is right most of the time? Let us put ourselves in a reverse situation, what will you do if you are in your friend’s situation? Nobody can stop us from stating our opinions but we should know our place, especially when something is at stake.

Being wise

A righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray. Prov 12:26

Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn his ways and get yourself ensnared. Prov 22:24-25

We are often labeled as someone depending on whom our companies are, a very popular adage “Birds of the same feather flocks together” and “Tell me who your friends are, and I’ll tell you who you are” would describe how society labels a person. So do we want to be associated with the people that surround us at the moment? These people can influence us greatly, they could shape our personality, so better be a wise chooser of friends.

Being truthful

Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses. Prov 27:6

If a man loudly blesses his neighbor early morning, it will be taken as a curse. Prov 27:14

He who rebukes a man will in the end gain more favor than he who has a flattering tongue. Prov 28:23

Knowing the truth could really hurt sometimes, but would be better than living a life full of lies. Correcting someone’s bad habit could never really be easy without that particular person trying to help himself. Telling someone something that would hurt would at times takes courage to do, but if it would be for the better cause, then do not hesitate.

Being a counsel

He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends. Prov 17:9

Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar poured on soda, is one who sings songs to a heavy heart. Prov 25:20

As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. Prov 27:17

Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of one's friend springs from his earnest counsel. Prov 27:9

In desperate times, literally or not, people need a shoulder to cry on. We need people to listen to our sentiments, may it be outburst or tranquil. We often look for advice from people whom we trust, and even share the darkest of secrets to people whom we thought would not betray us. And being so, we should also lend a shoulder to our friends in distress. Comforting someone could not be so easy at times when our words or act often end up aggravating pain or hardship instead of alleviating it, thus we should be very careful.

Being sensitive

Like a madman shooting firebrands or deadly arrows is a man who decieves his neighbor and says, " I was only joking!" Prov 26:18-19

Better know when a joke is getting too far, some supposedly harmless pranks or jokes could provoke a person and start a pointless quarrel. Be sensitive to what others feel, as what the golden rule emphasizes, you should not do to others what you do not want them to do to you.

It is fun to have friends, I am very grateful to all of my friends, thanks for the acceptance and companionship, this blog section is dedicated to all of you.