In the olden days of religious formation we were warned against forming “particular friendships.” The reason given for this admonition was that having a particular friend would cause cliques to form and thus destroy the unity of the group. While the intention was worthwhile the policy was fundamentally wrong headed. It is only by learning how to love this, that, and the other individual that our love can expand to embrace others. Claiming to love everyone without loving anyone doesn’t work. The Bible gives us an example of friendship. Saul’s son Jonathan, was very fond of David. Because of that friendship Jonathan could look beyond his own personal agenda and see the larger plan of God at work. Friends are what lead us to God.
