Companionship

The desire for companionship is one of our strongest longings. It is generally recognized that at no time is this stronger than when we are in our teens. We long to be able to persuade our peers to share our joys and disappointments, and to be associated in combined projects.

As a result, the dread of loneliness is one of our most painful and haunting fears. The possibility of becoming a social outcast is sometimes a worry. The shy and self-conscious may long to be sociable and companionable. It has even been suggested that the lack of true companionship may be at the root of much antisocial conduct.

This quest for true friendship is primarily a social problem. To gain and retain companions, one needs to be sincere and show a genuine interest in them. There should be concern for the feelings of others: frankness should be tempered with courtesy, both in speech and action. Extreme care is necessary in what is said to others about our friends.

For the Christian, there are also distinct spiritual overtones. David gives the basic qualities he looked for in his companions:

I am a companion of all them that fear Thee,

And of them that observe Thy precepts (Ps. 119:63).

These are solid grounds for Christian companionship today. Do my companions fear God? Are they reverent in their attitude towards Him? Do they give Him the respect and awe He expects and deserves? Secondly, do they keep His commandments?

It is good for us to examine our companionships in the light of David's criteria. It is so easy 'to get in with the wrong crowd', making companions of unsuitable people. This was the great tragedy of Samson's life. He fought bravely against the Philistines, but he also fraternized with them, forming companionships with both men and women. As a result of the wiles of Delilah who betrayed him he eventually lost his godliness, his strength and his sight.

unknown | Oct 1995
General