“Two are better than one, because they have a good return and reward for their love-labors. If one falls, the other lifts. Woe to him who falls alone and has no lifter. Again, if two lie together, they stay warm. But aloneness makes for coldness. A friend with a friend is powerful, but a threefold friendship-cord isn’t easily broken.” Paraphrase of Ecclesiastes 4:9–12
Dear Jesus, I’ve been thinking a lot lately about friendship, and especially friends woven together as cords of grace—friends who bring lifting power, warmth, and freedom in life’sentanglements, chains, and barbed-wire stories. Thank you for friends who can speak these two gospelicious words of empathy, vulnerability, and humility: “Me too!”
Friends who identify with our pain, struggles, and confusion.
Friends who remind us of the Gospel, Jesus’ love, and the Bigger Story.
Friends who offer unrushed presence, hot tears, and comic relief.
Friends who life-giving wisdom and not just mess-fixing formulas.
Friends who pray in the moment, because they know they’ll forget later.
Friends who remind us to wait and wait longer on you—staying with us.
Friends who untangle our “graveclothes”—just like Lazarus’ friends (Jn.11:44).
Jesus, these cherished friendships turn our hearts heavenward—to you in particular. For you are the foundation and fountain of all good friendship. It’s stunning, settling, and sweet to hear you say to us, “I no longer call you servants, I call you friends” (Jn15:15). What wondrous love is this, indeed?
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (Jn.15:13)—and that’s exactly what you did for us. And now, you’ll never leave us. When we fall down, you’re right there—right here. Thank you Jesus, and SoVery Amen.