The Love of a Friend
A friend loves at all times, …. – Proverbs 17:17 (CSB)
I met a dear friend when I got my first horse. She was a true cowgirl and taught me the ropes of horse ownership, her Polish heritage, what a Michigan sky looked like, and to notice the small things in nature I might otherwise have missed. She’s a good listener, loves the Lord, and I treasure her friendship.
Family members can make great friends, too. They know where you came from, what you’re made of, and where you long to go. My own daughter and I have a beautiful friendship. I’d rather go through valleys with her because she has navigated them, too. She makes me feel so very loved and understood. Marrying your best friend is a blessing. When you share laughter or a dance in an empty parking lot to music you both love, you make beautiful memories. If you’re looking for your forever partner in life, find a trusted friend first.
I now have a new friend that gets me and never makes me feel judged. She loves to help everyone and shows grace like an easy-flowing river. New friends can come along unexpectedly when we need them most. Friends come in all sizes, ages, and show up in all our seasons. Some stay with us forever, some for only a moment.
Then there’s Jesus. He encompasses all the different things we get from our earthly friends and more. He listens, He comforts, and He gives us the best advice if we read His Word. He heals our hearts and brokenness. He loves to hear us sing, and His Spirit dances with us in our joy. He feels our sadness and has experienced our temptations and trials. He gets us and understands us. He was there the day we were born, will be with us the day we draw our last breath, and will then usher us into the very presence of God. He died for us. In John 15:12-15 we learn Jesus considers us His friends, and He laid down His life for us in true friendship.
Every friend gives us something we need, but Jesus can give us all the things we need. He loves you at all times. When you feel alone and need the love of a friend, raise your hands, they can be held by our Savior and Friend, Jesus.
Questions for Reflection:
- Think about what qualities you see in all your different friendships.
- Imagine if all those qualities could exist in one Friend.
- What do you give back to your friends?
- Think of ways you could be a better friend to those you love.
