Rev. Richard Smith
| I Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up. |
While I’ve written recent devotionals about friendship, it’s one of those topics we should consider afresh at the beginning of a new year. Dear friends are one of God’s most special gifts to us.
None of us will survive the stresses, strains, and disappointments of daily life without the love and support of our friends. While none of us knows what life will bring, we do know there are dear friends willing to be there for us and to help sustain us.
I realize, as should each of us, that there are persons in our contemporary culture who are battling great loneliness; who need someone to be in their corner; who desperately want someone to befriend them. This is certainly true with the pandemic boundaries many are facing. We Jesus-followers should, as best we can, offer the lonely our support and caring. None of us can help every lonely person, but there will be those who cross our path whom God would have us help. As Paul wrote, “encourage one another and build each other up”. We can do this for those we encounter as well as those who are our dear, dear friends.
Even Jesus needed and valued friends. One of the most poignant scenes in all of the Gospel accounts is Jesus weeping over the death of his dear friend, Lazarus (John 11:35). It’s revealing that when Lazarus’ sisters, Mary and Martha, send word to Jesus that Lazarus is really sick they report, “Lord, the one you love is sick”. It’s clear that Lazarus is more than an acquaintance, more than a part of Jesus’ wider team; he’s extremely close to Jesus and Jesus to him. Even though Jesus can and will raise Lazarus, his friendship love and connection causes him initially to erupt in tears.
Then there are the twelve disciples. They were followers and learners, but also emotional support for Jesus. Yes, the primary reason Jesus chose these initial twelve is because he recognized the qualities they could and would bring to the advancing of Kingdom work. But, I personally believe he came over time to appreciate the camaraderie they had together and the ways they could support him. No question that they presented numerous challenges with their all-too-human attributes; but I happen to believe they became Jesus’ friends by the time they had been together for three years. He indicates such in John 15:15…I no longer call you servants…I have called you friends.
Who are your dearest friends? Take a moment and name them on your heart. What support do they give you? How are you encouraged that these people are in your life? Isn’t it the case that near or far you feel a deep and special connection? Give prayerful thanks to God for them!!
Over the years of my ministry, Pat and I were blessed to come to know persons who became for us caring and devoted friends. They’ve routinely prayed for us; kept in touch with us; celebrated our joys and supported us amidst our challenges. We are deeply and humbly grateful!!!
