Friendship That Rallies

Friendship That Rallies

They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity—all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people.

The incoming text from my husband chirped during the rush of morning errands. “Eli’s been in a car accident,” it read. “Can you find out how he is doing?” My immediate call to his wife, Ashley, went unanswered, and I began to pray as I waited to hear more.

It wasn’t long before the details of his condition emerged. After being hit by another car and breaking his femur, Eli now awaited surgery at the hospital. From the sidelines, texts volleyed among a group of friends, all working together to figure out how to help. One friend picked up car seats from Ashley and returned them home for the couple’s children, who were being cared for by family members. Another friend arranged for their lawn to be mowed. Groceries were delivered, and a gift card for meals was dropped off. By the time I stopped over in the late afternoon and placed a homemade dinner in their refrigerator, mine was the fifth meal to arrive that day.

Witnessing the way so many rallied around our friends to help fill their needs reminded me of the actions of the early church. The believers devoted themselves not only to the teachings of Jesus but to spending time together and supporting one another. Sharing all that they had was an integral part of their faith; they even went so far as to sell personal possessions in order to give to those in need. Those early believers were unsparing in their generosity and joyful in their giving.

If I’m honest, that attitude of generosity doesn’t always come naturally. Yet I’ve also come to realize that nothing helps us overcome our own reflexive self-interest like joining with others to serve those in need. It’s when we step outside the comfort of our insulated homes and work together in unity to help those in need that we can experience the true breadth and depth of friendship.

— Kristin

— Today’s Act of Friendship —

Give something you possess (or sell an item and use the funds) to share with a friend in need.