"Dear friends, since God loved us that much,
we surely ought to love each other."
I John 4:11
Friends
We all need friends, probably more than we realize.
When life feels like its more than we can handle, it is often our friends that we turn to. Perhaps we need a shoulder to cry on or maybe just someone that will listen to us.
Great Examples
The Bible is filled with examples of believers showing deep levels of friendship to each other. Paul & Timothy, Elijah & Elisha, just to name a few.
God's Hand at Work
When looking at the network of friends that I have been blessed with over my lifetime, I can see God’s hand at work in every relationship. I am lucky enough to have a few close friends that I have known basically my entire life. However, I also have a few very close relationships that have been formed over the past 10 years.
Friends for Life & Seasons of Life
What stands out about each of these relationships is that God has provided me a quality network of men to be around for each season of life. Some relationships are stronger at times simply due to the stage of life that each of us is going through at the time.
Seek out Friendships
Recently I was talking with a pastor at my church about finding it difficult to maintain some relationships when life stages are taking us in opposite directions. This pastor has moved several times during his life and has had the same experience!
However, he pointed out that he has also had God bring friends into his life that were needed at just the right time, but we must be looking and willing to seek out friendships. Making lasting friendships doesn’t just happen by accident; we have to actively look for the opportunities that God has put before us, even if it seems uncomfortable at first.
Examine your Friendships
As you go through your week I ask each of you to examine the people that you meet. How can you be a better friend to those that God has blessed you with?
John 13:34-35
“I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Jon Ross Henderson
MD5 Facilitator