More Thoughts on Loyalty

Last time I was writing about the value of loyalty in friendship and how a lack of it can be a friendship killer. Loyalty is such an important aspect of a good friend and a large subject I thought there would be value to exploring the issue further.


Many people see loyalty differently, so here are my thoughts on what loyalty is and what it isn't. I would love to hear your thoughts on it - so fee free to comment here or on my Facebook page.


Let's be clear first about one very important thing about loyalty - loyalty is not about blindly following and believing your friends and accepting everything they tell you even if there is evidence to show they are lying. It's not even about defending them even when you know they are guilty of something. Loyalty is about sticking by your friends, but it is also seen in being honest with them when they are wrong.


Loyalty is about continuing to be a friend to someone who has let you down, who sinned or been misunderstood. 


Loyalty is not so much about taking sides as it is about caring enough to tell your friend when they are in the wrong.


Loyalty is not just about defending your friends in public (defending their character and reputation to those who would spread gossip and rumors about them), it is about helping them to deal with the reasons they need to be defended.


Prov. 17:17 says that "a friend loves at all times." - That is loyalty.


Someone once said, "a true friend is someone who comes in when the rest of the world leaves." - That is loyalty.


A friend once told me, "I don't care what people say about you, I am still your friend... I don't even care if what they say is true, I will always be your friend." - That is loyalty!!


It seems that loyalty is not only misunderstood, but it is also a rare commodity at times, but it is such a vital quality in friendship. And as I mentioned last time - if you want to have great friends, loyal friends, friends who will stick by you no matter what, you must first be that kind of friend. Loyalty in you will inspire loyalty in others.