A friend loveth at all times...

"Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken." Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

What is so important about friendship? And really what is a friend? A friend is someone you know, trust and love. Children and youth are sometimes apt to think that a mere acquaintance is a friend. You can begin to be a friend at the acquaintance stage, but real friendship is enduring and loyal. Showing pure love and kindness is the best way to begin. Sacrificing is the best way to endure.

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13
"Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;" Romans 12:10

"Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:" 1 Peter 1:22

"A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother." Proverbs 18:24

I've had fair weather friends. In fact I've even been this sort of person. But like Abraham the one who I earnestly seek friendship with is God. "...Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God." God told us haw this is possible. "Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you." John 15:14

After God, who better to choose as friends but our spouses and children. This can begin with encouragement and humility. It is not as important to be right as it is to be kind. Let us adopt this speech. "You were right. I was wrong. Will you forgive me?" This sort of forgiving spirit can go very far in building trust and encouraging our loved ones.

Outside our homes we should also strive to cultivate friendships. But what sort of person should we seek. A true friend is loyal and not a gossiper. A good listener who cares enough to give good advise is always a good thing. Kindness and consideration are other qualities as well as someone who will encourage us to do the right even in difficult situations. Everyone likes to have fun. Friends should have fun together.

To find a friend like this, we must first become like this. God can be like this for us. We can talk to Him throughout the day, telling Him of our sorrows and joys. We can listen to Him as He attempts to communicate through the Holy Ghost. We can converse with Him through the scriptures as He points to answers to our prayers. We can show love for Him by living His gospel, being kind to His children, and using His advise. He can help us trow off depression and see beauty all around.

"A friend loveth at all times..." Proverbs 17:17