Daily devotional, July 04, 2024 BFF
"Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep."
Romans 12:15
One of the greatest blessings in life is having a good friend. I am not talking about the thousands that could possibly be in one person’s social media account, but the two or three reliable people in one’s life that he calls on when he is in trouble, or when he needs to celebrate.
As followers of Jesus, we are being encouraged to be a good friend to all. To show sincerity and warmth to those we meet, and be kind without asking for anything in return.
"Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor." Romans 12:10
And as we become a friend to all, we will get the opportunity to be one’s closest friend. We will be blessed to experience platonic mirth, or joy in friendship with a person God has allowed to journey with us in this lifetime.
"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up." Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
One of the most famous bible friendships was that of David and Jonathan. Theirs was never marred with secret envy or resentment, but rather with respect, loyalty, and utmost sincerity.
Jonathan saved David’s life when Jonathan’s own father, King Saul wanted to kill David. David on the other hand made true his covenant with Jonathan that He will show kindness to his family. When Saul and his sons, including Jonathan, been killed, David who was already proclaimed King, sought any surviving family members of Jonathan and found Jonathan’s son. David restored the family property to Jonathan’s son, and had him eat with him at the King’s table every meal.
"But show me unfailing kindness like the Lord’s kindness as long as I live, so that I may not be killed, and do not ever cut off your kindness from my family—not even when the Lord has cut off every one of David’s enemies from the face of the earth."
1 Samuel 20:14-15
Such friendship that stands the test of time is still possible even in this present age. When we commit ourselves to being there for a friend, in both the good times and the bad, we get to become a blessing to him. When we offer not just a listening ear, but also a rebuke when needed, we help a person stay on track with His walk with the Lord.
"Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses." Proverbs 27:5-6
As we reflect on the friendships that we have, we ought to remember the instance when we earned the title best friend. We also ought to reflect where Jesus stands in our relationship with our best friends. Do we even talk about Jesus, do we honor Him in our daily walk with our friends? Is pursuing Him part of our “friendship goals?” If yes, then we should ought to remain as each other’s accountability partner so we could stay on track in our walk with God. If the answer is no, then it is never too late to start pursuing God alongside your best friends.
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Hebrews 10:24-25
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to ponder on Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: Do you consider yourself a good friend? How?
Conversation with the Lord: Heavenly Father, thank you for blessing me with friendships. Help me become a good friend my Lord, and that I could lead my friends to you. Amen.
