Friendship Through Fellowship

“A friend loveth at all times…” Proverbs 17: 17a “…there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.”  Proverbs 18:24b “Faithful are the wounds of a friend…” Proverbs 27:6a

It is nice to have a friend — to have someone interested in YOU…your joys, your hurts, your concerns. Friends lend a helping hand toward one another, spend good times together, eat together, and pray for each other. True friendship is something of great value, and it does not come without cost.

Jesus calls all of His disciples (those who keep His commandments) “friends” and demonstrated His love and friendship by laying down His life for them. (See John 15:13-15.) You may never be required to lay down your physical life for a friend, but a close friendship takes some sacrifice and some giving.

Building a friendship may be painful; it makes you vulnerable to some wounding and disappointment. Your friend may be the first person to warn or correct you if he sees you being overtaken in a fault. (See Galatians 6:1.) Despite the possibility of painful situations, the benefits of true friendship are worth it.

PRAY: “Gracious Father, l am so glad Jesus invited me to be on His list of friends. Thank You…for making that friendship possible in Your plan for mankind. Help me as I help bear a friend’s burden today.* In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

*Galatians 6:2 (paraphrased)