Relationships - A Friend is a Special Gift From God
It was the great George Washington who said, "True friendship is a plant of slow growth, and must undergo and withstand the shocks of adversity before it is entitled to the appellation." How right he was. True friendship takes time to build. It takes commitment. It takes trust and belief in each other. A true friend cares and puts the other's needs first.
History tells us the story of two such friends. Their names were Damon and Pythias. They lived in the fourth century B.C. Damon and Pythias started their friendship as children and the bond between them grew and grew throughout the years.
Pythias was becoming known for the great speeches he was giving. He was telling the public that all men had the right to be free. He also said that absolute tyrants should never be kings.
Dionysius, the ruler of Syracuse, heard about the speeches of Pythias. Dionysius became very angry and had Pythias and his friend Damon brought before him. Dionsysius yelled, "Why are you doing this? Who do you think you are, creating unlawful thoughts among my people?"
"I speak only the truth and there is no law forbidding that," said Pythias in a calm voice.
"And do you still believe your 'truth' that a king who has too much power should not rule?"
"If the people did not give the king this power then that is what I believe," said Pythias.
"You have spoken treason! Take back what you have said or be willing to pay the price for such disloyal talk."
"I will take back nothing I said," said Pythias.
"Then you must die," said Dionysius. "Any last requests?"
"Yes," answered Pythias. "Let me go home and say good-bye to my wife and family and also prepare my household affairs."
"So, you think me to be an idiot as well as a tyrant. If I let you leave I will never see you again."
"I promise you I will return," said Pythias.
"You have given me no reason to think you will keep your promise."
At that moment, Damon stepped forward and said, "I will be his reason. You may keep me in jail until he returns. You have heard of our friendship. With me in your custody you can be sure Pythias will return."
Dionysius looked at Damon, "If he doesn't return then you must be willing to die in his place."
Damon answered the ruler with complete confidence, "My friend Pythias will keep his promise."
Pythias was let free to settle his affairs and say good-bye. Damon was thrown in jail. After many days and no sign of Pythias, Dionysius could not resist the temptation to gloat. He went to Damon and said, "Your time is almost up. You were a fool to trust your friend to sacrifice his life for you. You most certainly will die in his place."
"You are wrong," said Damon. "He has simply been delayed. I believe in my friend. I trust my friend. If it is humanly possible then he will come."
The day came for the execution to take place. Still there was no sign of Pythias. Damon was brought to the place of execution. Dionysius looked at Damon with a sly grin and asked, "What do you think of your friend now?"
"I trust my friend," said Damon.
At that very moment, the doors were flung open. Pythias staggered into the room about ready to collapse from exhaustion. He was bruised and battered and could hardly support his own weight as he ran to his friend. Pythias said, "I am glad you are safe. I feared the worst. My ship was wrecked and then I was attacked by robbers. But I didn't give up. I kept the faith. And I have made it in time. I am ready to receive my sentence of death."
Dionysius was touched by this display of loyalty. His heart was softened and he felt the love between these two friends. Dionysius said, "You are pardoned. I never thought it possible to have such trust and love in a friendship. You have shown me I was wrong and I will reward you with freedom. I do, however, have a request from you."
The two friends looked puzzled at the change in Dionysius. "What can we do for you?" they asked the ruler. With an open heart Dionysius said, "Teach me how to be a part of a friendship such as yours."
WOW! That's what friendship is all about. That story reminds me of my very best friend. He died on a cross around 2,000 years ago so I could live. His name is Jesus Christ and He not only is my very best friend, He is also my Lord and Savior.