Breakfast with a Friend
Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace. 1 Peter 4:8-10 (ESV)
Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV)
Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. 1 John 4:7 (ESV)
Bear one another's burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2 (ESV)
Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Romans 12:10-11 (ESV)
I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy; Philippians 1:3-4 (ESV)
With all of these commands, suggestions, and details, we still can’t get it right! Friendship is either God-ordained or impossible to successfully cultivate. There is not much wiggle room in between. The Bible verses (20-100) provide guidance for good benefits / company and the dangers of not-so-great relationships.
I had the privilege of having a late breakfast with my dear friend. We laughed, giggled, and had a wonderful time together. Our laughter rocked the restaurant! I think people laughed at our laughing. The mood was light and comfortable. We enjoyed each other’s company. I needed the time together and the food was awesome.
Conversation led us to politics (and we both survived), our faith (and we grew), family (and we were joyful for each other). Why? We took the time to listen to each other and share from our hearts. There were no masks. No facades. No “wanna-be” thinking. We were simply real.
God does not give us too many close friends. He knows that would spread us too thin. Instead, He provides the right people at the right time. One to walk ahead and pull us along. One to walk beside us for balance and one to give us the boot from behind when we need it.
What a blessing it is to have good friends!
Of course, our best Friend is Jesus Christ—who sticks closer than a brother. There is none like Him. Through our relationship with Him we gain insight into our friend selection.
I pray that you will never be without Him and God-ordained friends on your earthly journey.
Loving Lord, thank You for friends, for Your perfect timing and meeting our needs. Please teach us to be a good friend and to love as You love. AMEN.