"By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another." (John 13:35,NIV)
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). To address this, God created Eve. This marked 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 meant to function alone or to be unconcerned for one another. We were made for community. This is where friendship comes in: the camaraderie that lightens the heart and eases burdens because they are shared.
As God’s children, we are promised "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 find genuine safety. Only in true Christ-centered friendship do we find genuine peace. Christ is the only true cohesive power in the world. He alone can bind our human hearts together in genuine love and trust.
“A sweet friendship refreshes the soul.” (Proverbs 27:9)
The friendship of Jonathan and David is a perfect example. Scripture says their hearts were knit together in friendship. (1 Samuel 18:1) Jonathan was a gift to David. He supported, encouraged, and helped David become the leader and king he was. True friends can do that for each other.
As Melanie Shankle writes, “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 spirits, and strengthen each other’s faith.”
Just as Jonathan was to David, God has given you people around you who are a gift. He has placed people in your life at this time for a reason. I love this quote from Corrie Ten Boom: “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 also faithful to give you exactly WHO you need when you need them. God has given you a "good gift" in the people around you. Lean into Him and into each other, and sow blessings 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 who will tell you the truth, even when it hurts. The people who will listen without judging. The people you love, who will love you back no matter what. The people time and distance cannot keep apart. The people who will make you a stronger and better person. They are a good gift!
Think About This:
1. Who has God placed in your life as a good gift?
2. How have they enriched your life?
3. Offer a quick prayer for them right now or text them a heart symbol and say thanks.
Our very best friend is Jesus, the Good Shepherd.
To learn more about your Good Shepherd, CLICK HERE
Psalm 23 Devotional and Study Guide for Individuals and Groups
By Roxanne Drury
Consider doing the study with a friend or two!
