Devotional

“How many slams in an old screen door? Depends how loud you shut it. How many slices in a bread? Depends how thin you cut it. How much good inside a day? Depends how good you live ’em. How much love inside a friend? Depends how much you give ’em.”  —Shel Silverstein poem How Many How Much 

 Is there someone in your life who …      

 

Makes you laugh — even on the worst of days?  

Encourages you to do and be your best?  

Cries when you cry?  

Rejoices when you rejoice?  

Shares your fondest and most endearing memories of times and experiences? 

 

If so, you know what it means to have a great friend.   

 And having friends is extremely important! Studies show that having a group of close-knit friends can help you overcome addictions … heal more quickly from sickness … combat depression and despair … and so much more!    

 If you want to be a loving, caring friend to others, you must be: 

 Faithful. “And Jonathan spoke well of David to Saul his father” (1 Samuel 19:4). 

 Jonathan was a faithful friend to David! If you read his story, you know that he defends David when his father, King Saul, is out to kill him! Even when his very life is threatened, Jonathan refuses to turn on his friend.   

 Stand up for your friends … be the one who can be counted on always.   

 Honest. “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness” (Galatians 6:1). 

 If your friend is making poor choices and living a life of sin… don’t remain silent!  

 King David had such a friend in the prophet Nathan, who called David out for his adulterous affair with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband. He was straightforward and honest in his reproach. And his words helped David see the error of his ways and his need to repent before Holy God. 

 Remember, when you love someone enough to help them turn from sin, be sure to be gentle and loving!  

 Encouraging. “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works” (Hebrews 10:24). 

 The Apostle Paul was an encouraging friend to Timothy. Even amid his sufferings for Jesus Christ, Paul penned two books of the Bible (1 and 2 Timothy) simply to encourage, teach, and edify his young friend. He knew Timothy was going to become a great man of God — so he did all he could to HELP him along the way.   

 This is the kind of friend you should strive to be as well! 

 My prayer this week—Lord, help me be a good friend! Develop the character in me to lead my friends to you at every turn. Help me show love, live in humility, and offer grace freely. Thank you for being the perfect example of what a friend should be. And thank you for filling my life with friends!