Human beings need other human beings! Everyone wants to be loved, welcomed, and valued. There are times in life when sorrow or disappointments overtake us when we simply need human contact. We may need a touch on the hand or a smile or hug. We might need someone to encourage our faith. Or we may simply need help moving a heavy dresser or bookcase. The Scriptures give us insight into this topic.
Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. 10 For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up. 11 Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; but how can one be warm alone? 12 Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken. (Eccl 4:9-12)
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. (Pro 17:17)
Open rebuke is better than love carefully concealed. 6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend . . . (Pro 27:5-6)
Ointment and perfume delight the heart, and the sweetness of a man’s friend gives delight by hearty counsel. 10 Do not forsake your own friend or your father’s friend,
nor go to your brother’s house in the day of your calamity; better is a neighbor nearby than a brother far away. (Pro 27:9-10)
As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend. (Pro 27:17)
Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. (Jhn 15:13)
. . . that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. (Rom 1:12)
People who have a lot of friends have proven themselves to be friendly. (Pro 18:24)
When the enemy wants to harm us, one of the tricks that he will use is to separate us from dearly loved friends or relatives. (Pro 16:28; 17:9) That is one of the enemy’s favorite past times—destruction.
Jesus is truly our best friend and Savior. He loves us and pours out His blessings upon us as a result of His love. One of the most beautiful gifts that He gives to people is the gift of friends! Our faith is not intended to be lived out in the wilderness by ourselves. We are intended to live within a community of faith, and an extended community of family and friends.
Friends give us wise counsel, warmth, help of all kinds, laughter, and encouragement. Just knowing that we’ll be seeing a friend in a few days, can brighten our outlook and fill a person with joyful anticipation. Often, when the Lord wants us to know how very much He loves us, He will send a caring friend (or several) to wrap their arms around us and tell us how very much they love us. They may even send us an email, text, or greeting card to enumerate all of the things that they like about our friendship.
Value your friends and remember to show your appreciation to them. Don’t try to be a solo act; God intends us to have friends!
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