There was a time when the word friend seldom got used as a verb. To “friend someone” meant to help, aid, encourage, or to lift up someone. Today we use the verb friend to mean that when we “friend someone” that we have added them to our social network page. And it still is rare to find the word used as a verb in the purest definition. We have also stretched the definition of friend. It is not unusual for someone to reference someone who is really more of an acquaintance as a “good friend”. At work we have many “work friends” but few transcend the workplace and become true friends who we would share our leisure time and share our family time. Yet, they are friends but at a superficial level. Knowing our true friends at work is sometimes hard to do as when the pressures mount and decisions are made, finding those who have our back and will stand with us regardless, are few and far between. It’s almost like there should be a different definition of “friend” for work than all other places. I have been fortunate to have friends from work who have actually become some of Patti and I’s closest friends long after our years of working together have passed. We are all blessed if we have any of these relationships that can withstand time and distance. As we think about friendships and work, it is a good reflection point for all of us to remember that where we need to put our faith is not in others, but instead with God. David talks about his friends in Psalm 55:20 and demonstrates to us that friends are temporary and friends are not always what they seem; “As for this friend of mine, he betrayed me; he broke his promises.” David tells it like it is for all of us. Those we have “friended” will let us down but God will not. We should all build up many friends and then be sure that we are the friend who never willingly lets another down. That is the example of “friending” that we want to leave for others.

Reference: Psalm 55:20 (New Living Testament)