Sweet Friendship - A Good Gift

"By this all men will know that you are my disciples if you love one another."
—John 13:35

Billy Graham said, “The human soul is a lonely thing. It must have the assurance of companionship. Left entirely to itself, it cannot enjoy anything.”

As God was creating all things, He said, “It is not good that the man should be alone” (Genesis 2:18). God did something about this with the creation of Eve. This was the very beginning of human companionship. Ephesians 4:25 reminds us that "we are all members of one body." God’s people are one body. We are not intended to function alone, not intended to be unconcerned for one another. We were made for community. This is where friendship comes in, the comradery that lightens the heart and lightens burdens because they are shared. 

As God’s children, God promises us "good gifts". (James 1:17)  One of those gifts is friendship. While we are here on earth, we are guaranteed the richest and truest friendships. Only in true Christ-centered friendship does genuine trust exist.  Only in true Christ-centered friendship do we feel genuinely safe. Only in true Christ-centered friendship do we find genuine peace. The only true cohesive power in the world is Christ. He alone can bind our human hearts together in genuine love and trust.

“A sweet friendship refreshes the soul.” Proverbs 27:9

Much like Jonathan and David, hearts can be knit together in friendship. (1 Samuel 18:1) Jonathan was a gift to David. He supported him, encouraged him, and helped him become the leader and king that he was. True friends can do that for each other. In the words of Melanie Shankle, “The aim of friendship is to sow into each other words of eternal life and blessing. We remind each other of God’s wisdom and provision, refresh each other’s spirit, and strengthen each other’s faith.”

Just like Jonathan was to David, God has given you people around you that are a gift. People have been placed in your life by Him, at this particular time for a reason. I love this quote from Corrie Ten Bloom, “Every experience God gives us, every person He puts into our lives, is the perfect preparation for a future only He can see.” Your future is in His hands. He is faithful and can be trusted to give you exactly what you need when you need it. He is faithful and can be trusted to give you exactly WHO you need when you need them. God has given you a "good gift" in the people around you. Lean in to Him and to each other and sow blessing into each other’s lives through your sweet friendship.

Be sure to thank God for your friends, the people He has given you to walk through life with. The people that will tell you the truth, even if it hurts. The people that will listen and not judge. The people that you love and will love you back no matter what. The people that time and distance have no hold on. The people that will make you stronger and a better person. They - are a good gift!