Friendship

Friendship

A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.

Proverbs 17:17

God’s Word reminds me that knowledge alone is not enough for spiritual growth. I also need the grace of friendships.

When I consider my close friendships, three things come to mind. First, mutual love. None of us is perfect, so we’re not looking for perfection, but it’s important to respect some of our friend’s qualities. Second, mutual trust. Friends can rely on each other to keep confidences, help out when needed, and do what they say they’re going to do. Because friendships are built on mutual respect and trust, God warns us in Proverbs 22:24-25, “Keep away from angry, short-tempered people, or you will learn to be like them and endanger your soul.” Third, shared conversations and experiences. Whether funny and lighthearted or deep and serious, we accumulate memories of sharing and caring. Of course, having each experienced the common denominator of God’s love and grace adds an eternal element to our friendships.

The book A Confident Woman defines a friend like this: “A friend is someone to whom I do not have to explain myself. Such a friendship offers unspeakable comfort. Friendship can also be redemptive, for friends can act as mediators of God’s presence and invite us into the embrace of God’s grace.”^a

Over the seasons of our life, it’s good to look for a balance in friendships. Are we frequently on the giving end? Are we frequently on the receiving end? It’s healthy for us to experience some of both.

One of our roles as moms is helping our children learn to develop healthy friendships. We can do this by modeling strong relationships, by praying for their friendships, and by guiding and encouraging them to make healthy choices for themselves—one choice at a time.

Father,

Thank you for blessing us with redemptive friendships. Help us trust you to bring these relationships into our lives in your time. Amen.