In Rich Mullins’ song If I Stand there is a line that says, “There’s a love that is fiercer than the love between friends”, talking about God’s love for us. This has gotten me to thinking about the fierce love that friendship actually requires.

It seems like most friendships start off well, even easily. You start talking more, hanging out and really getting to know each other. Then, as time goes on and your friendship begins to mature you enter into maintenance mode. The newness and convenience of the friendship have worn off and you find yourself with another person in your life that you are close to. Now you have a choice, will you maintain that closeness, or will you let it dwindle over time?

I believe any friendship that lasts will last only because of a fierce and intentional love for that person and that relationship. This love has to be tough enough to endure your own selfishness and pride, humble enough move you into submission at times, and merciful enough to love your friend in light of their faults.

Unfortunately, it’s often easier for us to just let friendships fall by the wayside in pursuit of a selfish agenda. We find ourselves saying, “I really don’t have time to call them back” or “they just live too far away” or insert lame excuse here. We have all done this. And, we should all repent of it. This type of thinking is selfish, it hurts good relationships, and therefore it is sinful.

The truth is, we all have time to build up the friendships that we have, but only if we are more intentional about communicating with friends. And, only if we are intentional about setting aside time to spend with friends.

Friendships require attention and intention, without these components friendships will die. Friendships require fierce love. Are you fighting for you friendships?

“He who withholds kindness from a friend forsakes the fear of the Almighty”
-Job 6:14 (ESV)

And the chorus of a country song that has ministered to/convicted me in this area:

Run your car off the side of the road
Get stuck in a ditch way out in the middle of nowhere
Or get yourself in a bind lose the shirt off your back
Need a floor, need a couch, need a bus fare

This is where the rubber meets the road
This is where the cream is gonna rise
This is what you really didn’t know
This is where the truth don’t lie

{Chorus}
You find out who your friends are
Somebody’s gonna drop everything
Run out and crank up their car
Hit the gas, get there fast
Never stop to think ‘what’s in it for me?’ or ‘it’s way too far’
They just show on up with their big old heart
You find out who your friends ar
-Find out who your friends are by Tracy Lawrence