I talked in the former article about man’s giving up on his family: his parents, wife or his children. It is considered disclaiming of one’s role and responsibility in life, as religions called for honoring our parents and taking care of our families and children. Happiness and comfort will not be the result of avoiding responsibilities. Great people are defined by patiently,wisely challenge obstacles and difficulties and adhere to their principles in life.
There is also another sort of abandonment which is giving up on friends ignoring friendship’s value. In life we resemble pilgrims; we need a true friend to share us the road. Someone described friendship saying it resembles the connection between hand and eye: when hands are injured, eyes shed tears and when eyes shed tears, hands wipe it. Life pilgrims travel in the path of life holding principles, good deeds, and sharing all what life brings: suffering and pain or joy and ease with a true and honest partner. They give support during painful times and good company during the joyful ones. They resemble trees that shade us during hot days and gift us by its fruits in our peaceful times. Friendship is a great value in life. It is like a rare jewel. The more time passes, the more valuable it becomes. Aristotle also said about friends that they are “a single soul dwelling in two bodies“. Without friends, you will travel your life journey with no comfort whatsoever; it would resemble giving up on yourself. A true friend is the one who holds you firmly when you tell him you want to be alone. He will be the closest one to you, when everyone around is moving away.
Leaving a friend is like giving up on a loyal person who God sent to help and support you with his unconditional love and his honest advice that you won’t get from anyone else.
True friend will be the first to speak frankly about your weak points not out of a personal interest or self-revenge, but due to his sincere love. He wishes to see you in your best and supports you to get rid of your defects. He encourages you for your own good. Your success, happiness would be his too and your pain would ache him. Don’t give up on a true friend who loves you. His loss will blur you vision about many matters in life.
Anba Ermiah, General Bishop & President of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center
