Devotional

FRIENDSHIP

Whether we admit to it or not, every one of us, no matter who we are or where we are in life, has an entrenched need to have at least one other person in our lives who will simply accept us for who we are, and who is always there for us - one person with whom we can share our deepest secrets and know that they will not judge us.

True friendship will allow you to be yourself, while also encouraging growth for you to become the person you are designed to be.

This kind of friendship does come at a price, as to have this kind of friendship, you much first be willing to be this kind of friend to another.

"A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." Proverbs 18:24

This kind of friendship is well explained in the life of a soldier in World War II, where, during a battle somewhere in France, many men lost their lives. It was during this battle that a story has been told about a young English soldier who sought permission from his commanding officer to rescue his wounded friend. His friend was trapped in a barbed wire fence and unable to free himself. His commanding officer granted him permission, but told him that it was not really worth the risk, noting that his friend was probably already dead, and in addition to that, he may even lose his own life in the attempt.

The young soldier went anyway! He freed his friend from the barbed wire and carried him back to the trenches, where his commander said to him, “It was not worth the risk, as not only is he dead, but now you are also wounded”. The young soldier replied, “It was worth the trouble. He was still alive when I reached him and the words that he greeted me with made it worthwhile. When he saw me he said, ‘I knew that you would come for me’.”

What does the bible have to say about friendship? Jesus says in John 15:13, “This is the very best way to love. Put your life on the line for your friends.” Message Version.
Jesus himself was willing to do exactly this, and His sacrifice has allowed us to be freed from the tangle we get ourselves into, and allows us to become His child.

Would you be prepared to do this for your friends?

Friendship entails some risk, but the blessing of knowing another would be willing to put their life on the line for us, is pretty spectacular don’t you think?

You are blessed to be a blessing!

Deb