Friend

Friend

Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.

I WAS NERVOUS. My best friend from childhood had asked me to be her matron of honor, and although I was excited to share in her wedding day, I was dreading the speech I’d have to give at the reception. Public speaking is not my forte.

The outdoor ceremony was hot but beautiful, a cloudless July day with a lakeside view. From my vantage point at the front, I watched my friend offer a dazzling smile as she met her groom at the altar, and I listened with joy as she repeated her vows.

The outdoor ceremony was followed by an indoor reception. Despite the relief of cool air-conditioning, the guests quickly became aware that something was wrong: the bride and groom were missing. As the guests murmured among themselves and checked the time, it was increasingly clear that the guests of honor weren’t going to appear. Exiting the room, I found out that my friend’s anxiety had reached dizzying heights at the thought of being at the reception, and she simply couldn’t enter.

With that realization, my own small fear of giving a speech seemed insignificant. I desperately wished I could offer a toast if it meant my friend could experience her reception. My friend is kind and funny and smart, and knowing her struggles has only made me love her more. Anxiety has been her daily companion for many years, and she had worked so hard to make her wedding day happen. I wished other people knew my friend the way I did. I hoped other people recognized how special she is.

Jesus, too, is that kind of friend to us. He sees us—our fears, our struggles, our humanity—and offers compassion and love. The secret struggles and quiet despairs we face don’t make him turn away from us; rather, those moments are times when he hopes we’ll lean in to him. Give him our burden. Follow him and find rest and a lightened life. Like any true friend, his love is unconditional.

Lord, thank you for the gift of your friendship. Help us recognize and experience the depth of true friendship in our relationship with you. Amen.

-Kristin

One Good Step: Are you friends with Jesus? Spend time reflecting on what that means to you.