Friendship, originally uploaded by Thorsten Becker.

From Wikipedia:

The term symbiosis (from the Greek: σύν syn “with”; and βίωσις biosis “living”) commonly describes close and often long-term interactions between different biological species. The term was first used in 1879 by the German mycologist, Heinrich Anton de Bary, who defined it as: “the living together of unlike organisms”.
The definition of symbiosis is in flux and the term has been applied to a wide range of biological interactions. The symbiotic relationship may be categorized as being mutualistic, parasitic, or commensal in nature. Others define it more narrowly, as only those relationships from which both organisms benefit, in which case it would be synonymous with mutualism.

Romans 15:1-2: We, though, who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those not strong, and not to be pleasing ourselves. 2 Let each of us please [his] neighbor in what is good for [his] upbuilding.

Friendship. Friendship seems to be an endangered virtue. It is interesting that in a time and age when millions of people connect online through social networking sites and are freely using the term ‘friend’ more and more people are lacking true friendships. It seems many nowadays hide behind masks, either for fear of rejection or by intentionally playing roles to attract attention, often motivated by deep rooted loneliness. I count myself fortunate to have a few good friends these days. I barely communicate with them online but rather face to face or at least over the phone. I feel good knowing that they know me through mutual experiences and personal interaction rather than through word of mouth as would be the case with pure online relationships. I am happy that I can help and upbuild my friends should they go through tough times; I enjoy having deep and meaningful conversations and seeing them encouraged to press on and make progress. For the most part I count myself to the ‘strong’ mentioned in Romans. I get a real sense of purpose sharing this strength while also knowing that at times when mine is waning I can count on my friends.

When I think of strength I often picture trees. There are many strong trees in a forest that not only offer shelter but also the means for other plants to literally reach for the light, as if lending a helping hand. Ivy, as pictured, has been used as a symbol of friendship and loyalty as well as eternity for centuries. When I saw this tree standing tall with ivy growing all around it I was reminded of the need to be selfless and offer support. We undeniably live in a selfish world where many people think foremost about themselves and their own benefit. This thinking is bearing its ugly fruits more than ever. Much of the world’s financial trouble can be attributed simply to selfishness, not just at the corporate level but also the personal level. How much anxiety and desperation could be avoided if more people would learn to be selfless, help just to help, not for personal gain or the desire for admiration but simply because they want to, simply because their hearts motivate them to, simply because they feel obligated to the well-being of their neighbors.

Admittedly it is not always easy to be selfless, even if we want to be. Many in need can act selfish themselves either by taking undue advantage or by not setting limits when it comes to receiving aid; there is often a sense of entitlement. These sort of “friendships” could be compared to ivy that chokes a tree, usually to the point of killing it. It has to be a mutual relationship on both sides. We need friends, we need to pick them wisely and then we need to be selfless on the giving as well as the receiving side so that we all may grow in harmony together. Friendship should be a mutual symbiosis.