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The concept of friendship is viewed in many ways. Some people have friends because they are afraid to be alone, others try to oppress their friends so that they can remain superior and others have friends for quality not quantity.

Friendship should not be taken lightly, because the people who surround you can either encourage or discourage you from what you are supposed to do in life.

It is more than just hanging out with a group of people, it is about the influence, ideas and beliefs that will shape and mold the person you are and will become and vice versa.

Hebrews 10:24-25 says, "Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works, and let us not neglect our meeting together as some people do, but to encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near."

The process of finding true friends takes time and it is something that no one should rush getting into. If rushing takes place then that's when the friendship is about quantity not quality.

Socrates best described the process of friendship when he said, "Be slow to fall into friendship, but when thou art in, continue firm and consistent."

There is nothing like an inconsistent friend that is one day reliable when times are bountiful and the next gone during the times of struggle. Friends are supposed to be there for the good and the difficult times in your life and vice versa.

Proverbs 18:24 says, "There are 'friends' who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother."

I learned the true meaning of friendship when I was a sophomore in high school. When I competed in my very first pageant, I thought my friends would be supportive, since I supported them in their endeavors.

Since I am geeky and shy, one would logically think they would be glad of the fact that I was becoming more social; however, that was not the case. After seeing their true colors, I had to let them go and find new friends who would accept me for me. It wasn't until my senior year of high school that I had my true friends who accepted me for who I am, including the pageants.

This occurrence taught me a valuable lesson about friendship and life. You can only count your true friends with one hand. After listening to my favorite punk band Green Day, I realized that I don't have to conform to what my "friends" think I should be, but to surround myself with those who like me for who I am.

True friends are like diamonds that have to be found, not made like rhinestones. It is better to have one diamond that is valuable, than to have many rhinestones.

Friendship, as defined in the Oxford English Dictionary, is "one joined by another in mutual benevolence and intimacy, not ordinarily applied to lovers or relatives."

The perfect example of true friendship is between David and Jonathan in 1 Samuel. The story of their friendship serves as an example of what a "true friend" is.

When King Saul wanted David killed, Jonathan stood by David's side regardless of the fact that King Saul was his father. Jonathan remained loyal and he did not betray David.

Jonathan made a pact with David saying, "May the Lord destroy your enemies!" He made David reaffirm his vow of friendship again for Jonathan loved David as he loved himself.

Jonathan is the type of person that you should surround yourself with, a friend who will be there for you, no matter what happens. If jealousy, slander, betrayal, envy, doubt or the lack of support would had come into place, then David would had never been King.

It is better to contribute to your friend's success with love, support and commitment than to be responsible for their down fall.

When it comes to a large group of friends, there will always be a "Judas" and that is something you have to be aware of. Out of the 12 disciples, there was a traitor. Even though Judas's betrayal was a part of the prophecy, the situation remains the same.

There will always be a certain type of person like "Judas" who will try to bring you down, ruin your reputation, hurt your feelings or distract you from God's calling in your life.

If you want to be successful and make a positive difference in this world, then it is best to keep negative so called friends out of your life.

It is important to focus on the quality of the person, not the quantity of how many friends you have.

Having a friendship requires work. Proverbs 17:17 says, "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity."

Your true friends are those who will accept you for who you are flaws and all. However, beware of those who claim to be your friend thinking that your friendship will somehow help them, in a taking advantage of you sort of way.

Having friends is very important because it is not good for people to be alone. If we were meant to be alone then we wouldn't be together on this planet like we are now. Friends can help you in many ways in more than just one and in vice versa.

Proverbs 27: 17 says, "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." So, choose your friends wisely.