Heart Friends

Heart Friends

Jonathan made a solemn pact with David, because he loved him as he loved himself.

1 Samuel 18:3

We all want to be liked. We want to have friends and feel that we’re valued. This is no different in the Amish community. To those in the outside world, all Amish people look the same, but the Amish are still individuals. There is no such thing as a “typical” Amish man or Amish woman; our creative God made each one unique. And as in the rest of the world, when it comes to popularity, there are personalities that are more favored in the Amish community. Some people are just easier to love, no matter where you live.

I have friends whom I love spending time with because I am refreshed by them. They give to me more than I give to them. I also have friends whom I pour myself into. In those cases, I give more than I get. Everyone has challenging people in their lives, and so do the Amish. One misconception about the Amish is that they don’t allow friendships with outsiders. Depending on the community, they may build friendships with neighbors or others who have common interests. These friendships deepen because two people are willing to look past outward differences and focus on the heart.

David and Jonathan should have been enemies because Jonathan’s father was set on killing David, but that conflict paled in comparison with their care for each other. When you are considering allowing someone to be your heart friend, the best indicator of that person’s character is how he or she reflects God. I have friends who are simple and plain by the world’s standards, but their love for God shines. When I’m around them, I want to spend more time with them because I get a glimpse of the Savior when we’re together. Those are the types of friends you want to stay close to.

Dear heavenly Father, thank You for the special people You’ve brought into my life. Thank You for uniting my heart with theirs. Please show me how I can become a better friend today. Thank You for Jesus, my truest friend who never leaves me.