My middle child went home sad the other day. She asked me when did I
meet her ninang, who happens to be my best friend. And so I answered
and she told me how come she has not yet met the best friend of her
life.
It was a tough question to answer because in reality, best friends are
one in a million. How many times have we forged friendships with
people, who exited our life just when we needed them the most? How
many times did our little hearts get broken when our childhood best
friend found a new person to hang out with?
We may have hundreds or even thousands of friends on Social Media, but
IRL, how many of these people do we see as a “ride or die friend?” Or
better yet, to how many are we a “ride or die friend” right? “Ride or
die” friend is the new generation term for BFF or Best Friend Forever.
The kind of friend that transcends various seasons and circumstances
of your life.
“A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who
sticks closer than a brother.” Proverbs 18:24
As followers of Jesus, we are encouraged to remain hopeful about
finding that one special friend whom we can journey in life with. God
knows we need one, and He certainly knows we will benefit from it.
“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their
toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him
who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!”
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
In the story of the Prophet Elijah, God showed us how concerned He is
about us forging a lifelong friendship with another being. In the
midst of Elijah’s sorrow and fear about the death threats he was
getting from Queen Jezebel, God put in Elijah’s path, Elisha. Elisha
became his protegee, lifelong friend, and fiercely loyal follower.
Elisha did not leave him until his last minutes on earth.
“The company of the prophets at Jericho went up to Elisha and asked
him, “Do you know that the Lord is going to take your master from you
today?” “Yes, I know,” he replied, “so be quiet.” Then Elijah said to
him, “Stay here; the Lord has sent me to the Jordan.” And he replied,
“As surely as the Lord lives and as you live, I will not leave you.”
So the two of them walked on.” 2 Kings 2:5-6
Like Elijah and Elisha’s story, King David and Jonathan’s tale of
friendship was also about loyalty and genuine concern for one another.
In David’s darkest moments, Jonathan tried his best to save his best
friend from his own dad. In return, David stood true to his promise to
Jonathan when he restored Jonathan’s son Mephiboseth’s stature after
the whole household of King Saul was wiped out from Israel.
“Then Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, since we have both sworn
in the name of the Lord, saying, ‘May the Lord be between you and me,
and between your descendants and my descendants, forever.’ ” So he
arose and departed, and Jonathan went into the city.” 1 Samuel 20:42
And so, these examples of fiercely loyal friendships should allow us
to reflect and be grateful of the platonic relationships God gifted us
with and kept alive throughout the years. And for those who have yet
to find their own “ride or die” friend, these stories should fuel
their hope that one day, the Lord will answer their prayers for a long
lasting and true godly friendship.
“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, 1 Samuel 20, and 2 Kings 2:1-17 to dig
deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: Have you found the friendship that will last a lifetime?
Conversation with the Lord: Heavenly Father, thank you for being
concerned with everything in our lives. For knowing that we need at
least one good friend. Give me the grace of being a good friend, and
the heart to be grateful for the platonic relationships you have
blessed me with. Amen.
