Generous Friendship

Generous Friendship

Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.

My friend Krista is always quick to help others. I met her the first year my daughter Jasmine started dance, and she has been a gift to me over the years. She plans our hotel stays for dance competitions and organizes food, and she even helped me plan my daughter’s tenth birthday party, offering to make the cake and set up the hotel room ahead of time—all to surprise Jasmine and make her birthday special. She’s quick to ask, “How can I help?” and I’ve observed her on several occasions quietly stepping in to help without having to be asked to do so.

Krista’s attitude of generously sharing her time and resources with those around her challenges me. Her ability to take time out of her own life and schedule to offer to carry another’s load is convicting (in the best of ways!). Krista cheerfully follows Paul’s encouragement to obey the law of Christ—meaning to love God and to love others. It’s simple to understand but often takes careful thought to carry out. It takes intentionality and a slowing down of our own lives and busy schedules to notice another’s burden and then offer a way to carry it with them. It’s challenging, but also worth it.

When I ask Krista how she is able to help others so easily, she quickly brushes off the compliment, stating simply that she feels good when she can help someone else out. Krista easily offers her generous friendship to others, making life for her friends just a little lighter. I, too, want to live with my hands open like Krista does, willing to step in more readily when others need help.

— Kendra

— Today’s Act of Friendship —

Notice someone who has a burden they are carrying and offer to help them in some way.