Mark Twain, an American writer and humorist once wrote: “Pooty soon I’ll be a-shout’n’ for joy, en I’ll say, it’s all on accounts o’ Huck; I’s a free man, en I couldn’t ever ben free ef it hadn’ ben for Huck; Huck done it. Jim won’t ever forgit you, Huck; you’s de bes’ fren’ Jim’s ever had; en you’s de ONLY fren’ ole Jim’s got now.” Proverbs 18:24 reminds us: “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
A "Huckleberry friend" is a term of endearment for someone who is carefree and the ideal companion for any activity or job. The phrase may also refer to the narrated close friendship formed between Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn in Mark Twain's novel: “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.” Perhaps even more importantly, it might also be considered as forming an abutting and valuable friendship with God. With God as our closest personal ally, what more could one possibly hope, or wish for in the circle of friendship, or indeed life? Friendship is regarded as a state of mutual trust, amity and support between two or more beings.
"Tom Sawyer" and its sequel "Huckleberry Finn," both written by Mark Twain, follow the adventures of two young boys living in a small Mississippi River town, with Tom being a mischievous, imaginative boy who loves adventure stories and pranks, while Huckleberry is a poor, unschooled outcast who is more grounded in reality. Their stories often intertwine, with Tom's schemes, sometimes leading them into trouble, while “Huck's” natural instincts and moral compass provide a counterpoint to Tom's romanticized view of the world.
Friendship is generally a particular affinity and fondness between people with either similar or possibly even opposing interests in life. It can provide an element of security, trustworthiness and protection in an unknown world through emotional support and various other assurances. There is a mythical saying that “opposites attract.” How accurate this is, may be difficult to discern, but it could also relate to the rival structures of sin and righteousness. God often offers eternal friendship to those of sin. Jesus is known to have proposed friendship to sinners through different interactions, with the ultimate intention of bringing them to salvation. Matthew 11:19 confirms: “The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds.”
There are several stories in the Bible pertinent to friendship. Perhaps one of the most noted passages is the affinity formed between Jonathan and David. 1 Samuel 18:1-16 reminds us: “As soon as he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. And Saul took him that day and would not let him return to his father's house. Then Jonathan made a covenant with David, because he loved him as his own soul. And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was on him and gave it to David, and his armor, and even his sword and his bow and his belt. And David went out and was successful wherever Saul sent him, so that Saul set him over the men of war. And this was good in the sight of all the people and also in the sight of Saul's servants.
As they were coming home, when David returned from striking down the Philistine, the women came out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet King Saul, with tambourines, with songs of joy, and with musical instruments. And the women sang to one another as they celebrated, “Saul has struck down his thousands, and David his ten thousands.” And Saul was very angry, and this saying displeased him. He said, “They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed thousands, and what more can he have but the kingdom?” And Saul eyed David from that day on. The next day a harmful spirit from God rushed upon Saul, and he raved within his house while David was playing the lyre, as he did day by day. Saul had his spear in his hand. And Saul hurled the spear, for he thought, “I will pin David to the wall.” But David evaded him twice. Saul was afraid of David because the Lord was with him but had departed from Saul. So Saul removed him from his presence and made him a commander of a thousand. And he went out and came in before the people. And David had success in all his undertakings, for the Lord was with him. And when Saul saw that he had great success, he stood in fearful awe of him. But all Israel and Judah loved David, for he went out and came in before them.”
Benevolence, a key characteristic in friendship and deemed paramount in many religious contexts, is the well-meaning quality of man that includes kindheartedness, care and consideration. It is often regarded to be an attribute originating from God. God’s inherent kindness, love and goodness is reflected in His actions toward creation. Friendship is an essential element of that conglomerate. It provides a sense of belonging, support and social connection. Karmala Harris, a former United States Vice-President once remarked: “When you achieve equality, and freedom, and fairness, it's not because I grant it to you. It's because you fought for it because it is your right. This is not about benevolence or charity; it is about every human being's God-given right.” Matthew 5:43-48 reminds us: “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
If we accept and welcome God as a close and personal friend, then not only will we benefit from His unconditional love, we will receive comfort and guidance in difficult times. He will readily listen to our concerns and problems, and encourage us to grow and walk in His footsteps just like a best friend would. He will forgive our mischievousness and may even laugh about them later. He will be there for us in all weathers, come rain or shine, in our travels and adventures of life. 1 Peter 4:8-10 reminds us: “Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace.”
Friendship could be considered akin to collaboration. While the two are not strictly synonymous with each other, they do share similarities. Their joint, but independent values emphasize the need for companionship and partnership. The adversities of life are far more easily overcome if two or more tackle its problems as a pertinent idiom suggests that two heads are better than one. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 reminds us: “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him - a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”
Amen.
