“Greater love has no one than this–that he lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13

A good test of true friendship is not who you have a good time with but who is still there when the good times stop. An even better test—who is willing to stand with you even at the risk of his own life. That is “extreme” friendship! Jesus called it the greatest love one person could show to another.

In this technological age of iPods, smartphones, texting, FaceBook and Twitter, friendship has assumed a very different level of commitment. Even the name FaceBook reveals a view of friendship in which your “friends” are merely lists of names who engage with one another via words and no other physical connection. Texting and email now substitute for voice-to-voice and face-to-face communication. Social networking and internet “friendships” encourage relationships of convenience rather than the “lay-down-your-life” kind of friendship.

That presents some challenges for today’s grandparents and parents who want to teach and model what true friendship is about. Even so, those who make the effort may discover a surprising receptivity due to the welcome contrast to the shallow and empty cyber-relationships.

Modeling authentic friendship will help turn fickle relationships with friends, co-workers, family and marriages into enduring relationships. While divorce runs rampant, grandparents must hold up a higher standard for the next generations less concerned about personal happiness than laying down ones life for another. We must steadfastly hold to what is true, own up to our own failures, and point our grandchildren to a better way with Christ as our model.

Call or write your grandchildren individually and just tell them how much you cherish the relationship you have with them. Let them know that you will always be there for them no matter what, and that as Christ gave His life for us, if necessary, you would gladly give your life for them.

GRANDPAUSE: “A friend is one who walks in when others walk out.” -Walter Winchell