Facebook, instagram, Tik Tok tell you how many contacts you have on your social networks, with whom you share photos, statuses, videos, jokes and all kinds of publications. But how many of those are real friends? Friends in good times and not so good times.

Friends are those with whom we share our birthdays, triumphs, births of children, accomplished goals, or simply because we have an excuse to spend time together. But friends are also there in those moments of anguish, when you had a fight with your partner, you had a financial difficulty, you got fired, or you had problems and you needed comfort or someone to unburden yourself and listen to you. Having friends is a blessing.

"A friend loves at all times; a brother is born to help in trouble" Proverbs 17:17.

Now let's ask ourselves: Am I that friend to my friends? Am I that unconditional friend who does not judge but supports despite the mistake? Am I the friend who no matter what I am doing comes to the rescue? Am I the friend who only helps those I consider my friends?

Jesus is our friend (John 15:15) and He teaches us how to be a good friend: He was with Peter in his moment of little faith in the middle of the storm, He gave food to those who were hungry, He washed the feet of His disciples, He shared words of growth to those who walked with Him, He entered the homes of all regardless of their social or economic situation, He let Himself be kissed by Judas in his worst moment.

"Greater love has no man than this, than to lay down his life for his friends" John 15:13.

Sometimes we overthink if we have to help, call, visit, bring a gift for no reason. We limit our actions to a feeling. The word friendship has its roots in the word love, and love is for everyone.

How much joy gives us to have many friends to count on when we need them; so much happiness we give when we are that friend to others. Let us work every day to be the word of encouragement, the pat on the back, the hug in adversity, the unexpected call to ask "How are you?" and let that gesture of love remain in others heart saying "What a blessing that you are my friend".

Do it today!

God bless you.

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)