Jesus to his disciples said, I call you friends:
And Abraham was called the "Friend of God."
A word of beauty, full of grace, is friend.
How heart doth speak to heart, what rare accord
And sweet communion reigns, whene'er thought blends
In that dear intimacy known to friends!
Friendship means understanding, hope, and trust,
Faith, love, self-abnegation, loyalty.
True friendship is a priceless gift from God,
Bearing insignia of royalty;
And he who in his heart a friend doth hold,
A treasure hath outvaluing pure gold.
Happy is he who counts his friend as one
Who has in graces of the spirit grown;
Who not for learning, wealth, or power is famed,
But as disciple of the Christ is known;
Blest he who says with truth, A friend I am
Of one called "Friend of God," like Abraham.
