“A friend loves at all times, and a brother (or sister) is born for a time of adversity.” (Prov. 17:17); “Two are better than one… If either of them falls down, one can help the other up… Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.”(Eccl. 4:9-10, 12); “Encourage one another, all the more as the Day of his (Jesus’) return is drawing near.” (Heb. 10:25)
Lord Jesus, thank you for the gift of friendship, and for you being a “friend of sinners.” We would despair if that was not so. The thought of growing older without close heart-friends has never been sadder, scarier, or more foolish.
Thank you for friends who, like me, need the riches of grace on a daily basis—friends who cherish the Gospel, and consider “in Christ” the best thing we’ve got going for us.
None of us need “friends” like Job had—those more likely to give correction than affection—more “skilled” at giving verses than spending heart-currency. If we need formulas and fixes, we can turn to YouTube or Google.
Jesus, and thank you for giving us all kinds of things to richly enjoy with one another (1 Tim. 6:17). You never designed life to be one big “hymn sing.” So, thank you for friendship that includes play and laughter, enjoyment of creation and music, exploration and adventure, fishing and catching, good food and unrushed conversation—and so much more.
Jesus, may your love, grace, and kindness shape our friendships, and our “friend-ing.” So Very Amen.