The Gift of Friendship

As eight-year-olds, a neighbour and I made a friendship pact and marked it with a special handshake and a wink. We promised to be there for each other and have fun together. Two years later, I was devastated when he and his family moved far away.

As my grandmother consoled me, she encouraged me with words that still carry importance today: ‘You have honoured your promise of friendship, and if your friend returns, I am sure you will remain friends.’ This was my first lesson in covenant friendship. 

I still grieve the loss of friends – whether due to distance or death – but I am grateful to God for whatever time I have with them. To me, friendship is a gift from God for our enjoyment as well as for our spiritual growth.

God has a way of developing people to become relationally and spiritually committed friends who sharpen one another (Proverbs 27:17) and stick closer than family. This was evident with the friendship between Jonathan and David. God’s way of bringing people into our lives and allowing us to become close friends is a precious gift indeed.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we praise you for the friendships you have given us. Help each of us to be a committed friend who shows the love of Christ to others. Amen