WHAT ARE YOU?

“The more we love, the better we are, and the greater our friendships are, the dearer we are to God.” – Jeremy Taylor

Friendships are valuable in our lives. Everyone wants "a real friend" for many reasons. Nobody wants to feel lonely and a friend can help you through this process. You need a friend if you are in trouble, to make fun with, to share experiences, to talk with and to be there for each other. However, it might not really be easy to find a good quality friend; there are many qualities a real friend should possess.

George Fox was an English Dissenter and a founder of the Religious Society of friends, commonly known as the Quakers or Friends. Fox complained to judges about extremely harsh decisions he considered morally wrong, as in his letter on the case of a woman due to be executed for theft. He campaigned against the requirement to pay tithes, which was a tax to fund absentee landlords. He was arrested numerous times for speaking out. In 1660, after his arrest in Lancaster, a Friend went to Oliver Cromwell, the leader of England, and offered himself, body for body for Fox. If Cromwell would accept the substitution, the friend would be imprisoned and Fox would be set free. Cromwell was so struck with the offer that he said to his council, "Which of you would do as much for me if I were in the same condition?" Although he could not accept Fox's friend's offer, because it was contrary to law, yet the power, he said, and truth of this generous offer "came mightily over him."Cromwell met with Fox several times in next few years and each time was impressed with Fox's faith and the loyalty of his friends.

These are some qualities every friend should have:

HONESTY

A real friend will always tell the truth and never lie. Everyone wants a "true friend" and you will never maintain your friendship if you don't tell the truth, even if it hurts. If your friend discovers you know certain important facts which maybe hurts you and you hide this information you will lose trust and friendship is based upon this bond.

A GOOD LISTENER

You don't want to talk with everyone about the problems you have and a real friend will listen and will try to give some useful advice.

TRUSTWORTHINESS

Trust is an important aspect in every friendship. You share almost everything with your friend and also confidential information. You need to rely on your friend's word to keep this information between you and your friend.

RESPECT

Everyone has different opinions and it is important your friend shows respect for your point of view. It is not necessary he/she agrees with your points and can sometimes try to change your mind but he need always to respect you, even if he/she disagrees with you.

We all need life long, devoted friends who are there especially during our darkest days. Are you indeed, a FRIEND?