What is the meaning of a friend? A google definition states “a person whom one knows and with whom one has a bond of mutual affection…”. Okay, but do you know the people you call friends on your social media sites? You may know of them, but do you really consider them with a bond of mutual affection? The answer to that question, if we are truly honest, is no. So why do we have this fixation on establishing lots of friends on social media instead of building true friendships? Perhaps, the answer is in our awkwardness to communicate or open ourselves up to another individual. Perhaps, we just want to be part of the media “like” community whether the people like you or not. It is easy to push a few buttons and think you have a great relationship with friends. It is hard to actually talk with another, spend time with that person, learn what you have in common, learn your differences, and establish a bond based on fondness towards each other. A true friend is someone you are willing to talk with and spend quality time doing fun things together. A true friend is someone who may shed a tear or two with you during sad times. Now, I am not insinuating a sexual relation, but mutual affection or interest that binds you. Can you remember those friends maybe in the past, or if lucky, still in your life that means so much to you? That my friend, is a true friend.
In biblical terms the name Theophilus is of Greek origin meaning “friend of God”. Without getting into the theories whether Theophilus was a person or an honorary title meaning friend of God, I like the idea. Luke and Acts refer to Theophilus so I like the message to anyone claiming to be a friend of God. What if, instead of the author(s) of Luke and Acts using the word Theophilus, friend of God, is used. Luke then in its introduction to the gospel in 1:3,4 may read, “Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account to you, most excellent friend of God, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.” Acts 1:1,2 may read, “In the first book, friend of God, I wrote about all that Jesus did and taught from the beginning until the day when he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen.” Imagine now speaking to your true friends as if they too were equal friends of God. Do you think you may have a everlasting friendship established that would bind us together into a common goal? Enjoy your true friendships and may He give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know Him. (Ep 1:17)
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