Genesis 40:23 “The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him.”
Sometimes your friends forget about you. They forget commitments and what’s important to you. The forgetfulness of a friend can frustrate and disappoint you. After all, some of your friends have been past recipients of your help and encouragement. You have been there for them when they needed help and during their days of discouragement but when the tables have turned and you are in need, they don’t seem to be around. Unfortunately, some friends can be unreliable and even unpredictable. But cut them some slack. Just like you, your friends can get busy with life, maybe they are buried in their own troubles, or maybe they have simply forgotten you—and that can be partly your fault.
But when adversity strikes and you’re really in trouble, you will be able to filter out false friends from forever friends. Fair weather friends will fly in and out of your life. Some friendships are convenient and short term, while others compound in loyalty and love as the years pass. We all need those forever friends and to get them, you need to be one. Develop forever friends.
However, be careful not to place expectations on your friends. Expectations increase the chances for disappointment. A friend will often let you down if you hold them to high expectations. If your friend feels the pressure to perform a certain way they will push back. Friendships are meant for release—not control.
Friends and companions are a gift from the Lord Jesus. Steward them well. It is tempting to take our friends for granted. Especially long term friendships, because they are low maintenance and they tend to get the least attention. But, in reality even old friends need nurturing. They need a phone call, a visit or written correspondence. I will expect a phone call or email from you within 15 minutes. But really our friends need some of our time. Friendships grow or weaken, but love, care and attention can fertilize a friendship. So here’s a new term, fertilize you friendships.
Moreover, make it a goal for all your friends to become your best friend. Just think, a whole bunch of best friends. Also make it your goal to make all your friendships fun. Who wants to hang out with stressed out, depressed, unhappy, complaining all the time, drama queen or drama king. Remember fun friendships are intentional and by design.
When you remember a friend, you honor a friend. When you remember a friend, you feed a friendship. Friendships fatigue and fail for lack of attention. So here’s another term—don’t fatigue your friendships. How many more F words can I put with friend?
So remember a friend today. Do the little things that make them feel special and remind them of how special they are to you and to God. Love on them and expect nothing in return. Be a friend and you will have friends. And of course, what a friend we have in Jesus!