Day Sixteen: Give Friendship

Give … Friendship

Just as lotions and fragrance give sensual delight, a sweet friendship refreshes the soul. Pr 27:9

The full meaning of "believe" in the Scripture sentence, "Abraham believed God and was set right with God," includes his action. It's that mesh of believing and acting that got Abraham named "God's friend." Jas 2:23

"When the friend I plan to send you from the Father comes--the Spirit of Truth issuing from the Father--he will confirm everything about me.” John 15:26

There are many different types of friendships written about in the Bible: human friendship, friendship with God, and an intimate, inner friendship with the Holy Spirit. Human friendship is essential. God designed us to need each other and to develop healthy relationships. But what is friendship really?

To grasp the full meaning we can refer to the trilogy by Tolkien, Lord of the Rings. The first book, Fellowship of the Ring, follows unlikely souls who all have one common goal: to see that the ring is destroyed. Through intense adversity, this group of disconnected individuals develops into a devoted, faithful family. The goal gave vision and the struggle offered opportunity; as personal fears and hopes were exposed and selfless acts were performed, friendships were forged. Struggle + vulnerability +selflessness + shared Vision = friendship.

Father-God, you have called us friends. Teach us to be there for others the way you are there for us.