Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel – Proverbs 27:9
“The reason why I think our friendship has worked is because Gayle is happier, not happy but happier, for me for any kind of success or victory or challenge I get through than I am for myself.” This was Oprah Winfrey’s response several years ago when asked about the glue holding her and Gayle King’s strong friendship together, which has now reached fifty years. While uncertain of Oprah’s and Gayle’s religious beliefs, their friendship has nevertheless demonstrated key ingredients essential to the sustenance of any worthwhile relationship.
Genuine Love: It’s from personal acceptance and love, as described in Matthew 22:39, “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself,” that seeks the care and well-being of your friend as desired for yourself. Shared Values: They are the mutual beliefs and convictions that guide a friendship in a similar direction, as stressed in 2 Corinthians 6:14, which says: “Be ye not unequally yoked together.” Unselfishness: It’s choosing to support the other person without envy or a competitive spirit, whereby striving to adhere to Philippians 2:3, which says: “let each esteem other better than themselves.”
Just as God desires us to have friendships that project His characteristics, He has also provided us with the guidance needed to ensure their staying power. We need only look to His Word to find the glue.