---

When Brother Mays asked me to write an article in this issue of the Trumpet, which is being dedicated to Dr. Dennis Carter the first subject I thought about was friendship. Proverbs 17:17 says, “A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for the day of adversity.” Most people have never had a true friend. Most people have no idea how to be a true friend. True friends are rare. From the depths of my heart I can say, Dr. Carter has been a true friend to me for many years. He has taught me what friendship is all about.

Dr. Carter has taught me by his example that true friends are committed to giving themselves to those in need. Sometimes those in need have failed along the way. A true friend is born for the day of adversity. Friendship means loving a person when they are in need. It means not forsaking them when they hit the bottom. True friends will not be among those that stand back with a critical spirit when the hard days hit. True friends love not only in word but also in deed. They are there to provide physical, spiritual, emotional and even material help. Many who are reading this issue of the Trumpet can attest to the fact that Bro. Carter has befriended them in this way.

Jealousy and envy ruin friendships. A person who is a genuine friend will not be jealous when you are blessed. They will not need to be propped up with constant recognition and pampering to maintain their commitment to their friendships. True friends are concerned about the welfare of their friends. True friends don’t care who is getting the most acknowledgement. We have all had “friends” who disappeared when they figured they wouldn’t be getting anything else. I’ve heard Bro. Carter say, “Givers establish long relationships; takers establish short relationships.” True friendship is based on trust and respect, not what can be gained materially.

Proverbs 27:17 says, “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” True friends help each other in their relationship with the Lord. When a friendship is not centered in Christ and does not seek to exalt the Lord, God will not prosper it. As a friend, Dr. Carter has been a constant challenge to me as well as others to walk closer to God, to trust Him more fully. He has been like Jonathan of old, who went to his friend David, and “strengthened his hand in God.” Thanks, Bro. Carter, for being a true friend. Trumpet reader, what are your friends learning about friendship from you? God help us to be true friends.

Bill Pickell
Calvary Hill Baptist Church
Pacolet, SC.