In many of our conversations we speak of friends that we had when we were children, school, military, or at work. When asked if you are still friends many answer that we lost contact with them when we separated.  I often think about them. I don’t know if they are still around.

Aristotle identifies three types of friendships. Friendships of utility, pleasure, and virtue. Friendships of Utility: These are based on mutual benefit and practical advantages. You did not necessarily choose them; they were at the place of work.

Friendships of pleasure: These arise from shared enjoyment and fun activities. You may have played sports together, or were in some of the same classes at school and went out together to break away from the everyday grind. You may have even been “besties.”

Friendships of Virtue: The highest form, based on mutual respect and admiration for each other’s character. These are people you sought out at a time of distress, or were there for you when there seemed to be no one else around. You saw something in each other that was worth growing.

The importance of virtue is that true friendships require time and effort to develop and are rooted in moral goodness. Friendships of virtue are the most enduring and fulfilling, as they are based on deeper connections. True friendships are infrequent because virtuous people are rare.

Several scriptures come to mind. “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me (John 15:13-15. “The words of the ultimate friend, Jesus.

There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother. (Proverbs 18:24).

“There is no friend like Jesus” is a famous theme from the 19th-century hymn “No Not One!” written by Johnson Oatman Jr in 1895. The song focuses on Jeus’ unique compassion and faithful companionship, often referencing Biblical promises of hi unmatched, loving friendship and care.

Jesus knows all about our struggles/He will guide till the day is done. While the exact sentence is not a direct quote from the Bible, it is widely accepted, profound summary of biblical teaching regarding Jesus’ role in believer lives.

Lastly, Aristotle observed that “wishing to be friends is quick work, but friendship is a slow ripening fruit.”