Friends are wonderful gifts from God. What would we do without them? Our word, “friend” probably comes from “freond”, an ancient Indo-European word meaning “to love.”
Two weeks ago we visited friends we’d known for a decade who had moved to Tucson, and later that day we had lunch with other friends we’ve known like family for three decades. Last weekend we were visited by a couple I’ve known four decades. It’s truly wonderful to have friends who care for you!
We all make many casual friends in life, but only a few become a true and close friend, one who will be with you when you need them no matter what comes, in times of joy or sadness. A true friend will talk with you but also listen. True friendship is marked by willingness to go to great lengths to help and support others when they are needed.
1 Samuel 18-23 contains the story of David and Jonathan who were caring and loyal friends to each other, at times even going against family to help each other. When Jonathan was killed in battle, David wept over his death, for “he loved Jonathan as he loved his own soul.” (1 Samuel 20:17)
Jesus loved His disciples the same way, and He was willing to give His life for them, even those who reject Him. Jesus loves all of us enough to forgive us and die in our place, so we can truly say, “What a friend we have in Jesus!”
Help us, Jesus, to love others as You have loved us.
Rev. Bob Tasler, www.bobtasler.com
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