A friend to what end?

(Jonathan and David)

According to a Getlifeboat.com survey, "three-fourths of us are dissatisfied with our friendships."  Kristin Wong of MSN Living reports that most of us "yearn for deeper relationships."

Sounds reasonable so far…  However, upon closer examination of what "deeper" might mean, it seems as though the modern definition of friendship might need revamping.  For example, this survey also indicated that "fourteen percent primarily look for a friend who's good-looking."  And only "26 percent said they look for someone who 'shares my spiritual

or religious beliefs…'"

Perhaps if this latter percentage were much higher, friendship would be a whole lot more satisfying.

Friendshipday.org gives numerous instances of friendships from Abrahamic and other religious traditions.  Biblical examples include this one from John 15:  Greater love hath no man than this that a man lay down his life for his friends.  Certainly a far cry from today's bowling and shopping buddies…  

Then there's Ruth and Naomi, Jonathan and David, and even God speaking to Moses "as a man… unto his friend" (Exodus 33:11).  Perhaps one of the foremost reasons why Jesus took on a human body was to teach people the true meaning of friendship.

Friendshipday.org also tells us about Lord Krishna's displays of friendship within the famous Hindu epic, Mahabharata.  Krishna demonstrated "affection, romance, brotherhood, protection, guidance, intimacy and even teasing."

Although the survey intimates that deep friendship does not necessarily involve religious beliefs, these abovementioned examples might in the end provide much better guidance.  

Resources

http://living.msn.com/love-relationships/the-heart-beat-blog-post?post=67d47f2f-54c5-4f24-be9e-11577cee31c2

http://www.friendshipday.org/friendship-day-history.html

Copyright May 25, 2013 by Linda Van Slyke   All Rights Reserved