by Tricia Lye

Created on: August 07, 2011

What qualifies a best friend?  Is the dog a man's best friend ? Are diamonds a girl's best friend ? A best friend  may not be as  adorable as a puppy or is  the most dazzling of personalities .  Any average Joe or plain  Jane has the potential to be someone's greatest  friend.  Like many unexpected gifts in life, best friends may make strange bedfellows.  The bond between bible characters, David and Jonathan, is a good example of how  two persons of diverse backgrounds can become life long friends in spite of political differences, abilities and status.

A best friend is a friend for all seasons and situations. In our fast moving world of transient relationships, a best friend is one who will hold his steps and wait for you to catch up or offer a push when the going gets tough. Neither bad weather nor  distance are a hindrance to a friend's care and concern. 

A best friend accepts you as you are, warts and all.  He is slow to judge but quick to listen. Neither does he attempt to transform you according to his ideals.  Best friends give each other the benefit of the doubt, and forgive unconditionally.  In the new testament, Barnabas' belief in the goodness of Paul, in spite of his unpopularity in the early church, was pivotal to Paul's Christian work in  Rome. Because of  Barnabas' faith in him , Paul transformed the religious landscape of the Roman empire with effects that lasts until this day.

There is no discomfort in silence between two best friends. He hears the unspoken word through a sigh or even a slight hesitation in a conversation.  Best friends are capable of disagreeing agreeably.  He is the first person whom you will share good news with, or perhaps a funny joke. When misunderstood or wronged, his company will be the first that you will sought for comfort and reassurance. 

There was a story of two friends, Tolkien and C.S Lewis. In a private club, The  Inklings,  where both men shared their stories ,   C.S Lewis encouraged his friend to publish  a draft which Tolkien had written. As a result of that encouragement, 'The Hobbit' and subsequent stories was published and went on to become one of the pillars of great literature. The Hobbit was a product of the mutual confidence between  two very good friends. Best friends are able to bring out the best in each other.  They reciprocate kind words and deeds, without demanding returns. And when truth needs to be told, they do so without hesitation, in a considerate and tactful  manner.

A genuine and giving relationship between two great friends will never be burdensome, even if life is fraught with limitations and difficulties.  Two persons in a giving relationship will go the extra mile for each other, in complete trust that they will not leave each other alone.

It takes two committed people to be great friends.  The best way to be a good friend is to be one yourself. The best of friendship, like a living thing, needs to be nourished and nurtured. Great friendship which overcomes gender difference and  transcend age, is nourished by spending  time together , and according to each other  mutual respect and loyalty.

Learn more about this author, Tricia Lye.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.