I have one brother and two sisters, and my wife has three sisters.  Between us, we enjoy a large community of brothers-in-laws, sisters-in-law, cousins, and . . . well, you get the idea.  I may have many relatives, but I still value my friends.

Over the years my friendships have come and gone, literally.  I’ve grown up, moved here and there, left old friends behind, and made new ones.  But I still remember some of my best friends from childhood.  Every now and then our paths will cross; and when they do, we laugh and reminisce together for hours.  Every now and then I telephone my old college roommate.  I can say “old,” because, to be truthful, the word fits.  Even though we may not have seen each other for a long time, once we get into our conversation the years melt away and we are school chums again.

On several occasions I’ve found myself living half a world away from family and friends.  Thankfully my need for friendship has always been supplied by finding a true and best friend in my wife, and she in me.  There’s not much we don’t share, and we’re always there for each other.

It’s a funny thing with friends—we don’t always have to be talking out loud to have a conversation.  We can sit together in the same room or ride in the car and not exchange a word for a very long time, and yet satisfying communication passes between us.

There are times, however, when I feel I cannot share my deepest feelings with another human being, even my wife.  Do you know what I do when that happens?  I turn to my Forever Friend, the loving Jesus.  There is not a truer friend to be found.  He has known me longer than anyone else, and He knows more about me than anyone else.  He even knows my thoughts, and He thinks about me, too.  He tells me in Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (NIV).

Maybe you had a good friend but lost him or her, perhaps through death, divorce, or distance.  Maybe you’re between friends and are hoping to find a new one.  And maybe you find it difficult to make friends or have never had someone you could call a best friend.  Here are some tips that may help you start a new friendship or improve one you already have:

1.  Friends must be friendly.

2.  Friends must be there for each other.

3.  Friends must communicate—talk and listen.

4.  Friends suffer together and comfort each other.

5.  Friends are loyal and affirmative.

6.  Friends are equals.

7.  Friends are honest with each other.

8.  Friends want the best for each other.

9.  Friends don’t hold grudges.

10.  Friends love to the end.

Whatever your need is, may I recommend to you my very best friend, Jesus?  He already knows all about you, too, so you don’t have to pretend with Him.  He’s always there when you need Him, and He listens when you talk.  He tells you about Himself through nature, through every-day experiences, and through His word, the Bible.

Your friend Jesus will never move away from you.  He will never forget you; He will never turn His back on you, but will always love you.  The words of the old hymn say it best:

“What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear;

What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer.”