The Bible stresses the importance of friends and friendship. The many verses found in Scripture that praise friendship extend to the relationship between Jesus and his disciples. There is also friendship described between God and specific men, including Enoch and Abraham. True friends are a gift from God. We can develop the traits of character that promote friendship and others will be drawn to us.
Friendship in the Bible is recognized as a form of love. We are told to practice love toward fellow believers. We love because God loves us. A true friend has been described by one individual as “God with skin on”. While we are uplifted and sustained by a friendship with God, it is also important to be able to participate in human friendships.
While on earth, Jesus valued His friends. He numbered various people among His close friends. These included the disciples, as expressed in His discourse during the Last Supper. He told them they were lifted to the status of friends. The request that His friends should watch and pray with him in the Garden is an indication that Jesus valued the support of human friends as much as His followers do.
The Scriptures indicate that friends have a responsibility to each other. They are to counsel and support one another. Providing comfort is one aspect of friendship. Friends also seek to build each other up, rather than to tear down. Friendship is a two-way street. Both parties are seeking the benefit and uplifting of the other person.
THANK YOU GOD FOR ANOTHER DAY
Father, I thank you for another day and I ask you today to make me walk more like Jesus.