Friendship I

This communicating of a man’s self to his friend works two contrary effects; for it redoubleth joy, and cutteth griefs in half. (Francis Bacon, 16th-17th century English philosopher)

The math of Bacon’s statement is an oxymoron; how can something be doubled and cut in half at the same time? Math aside, it’s an encouraging thought and ought to propel us to deepen our relationship with close friends. It should be our aim to double our joy and lessen our sorrow by sharing deeply in our friendship.

Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. (John 15:15)