HSBC Coffeebreak Devotional

"Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow; but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him."
Ecclesiastes 4:9 & 10

Friendship. It is such a blessing. So why the struggles that seem to go with friendships? I recently had lunch with a friend I had years ago. I moved, and while we did keep in contact with each other, our communications were quite limited. I enjoyed catching up, hearing how her children had grown and changed and laughing at shared "menopause moments" we'd both experienced.

We live in such a lavish world, using things and tossing them at the first signs of inconvenience. That shouldn't be how we treat friendships, but I fear at times I can let friendships slide when they begin to take work. Scripture supports friendships and tells us not to forsake them (Proverbs 27:10). John 15:13 says, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends" [emphasis mine]. I notice that it doesn't use the words, "family members" there, it says friends. Jonathan and David, Ruth and Naomi, and E lijah and Elisha were all biblical friends. Abraham was even called a friend of God! How cool is that?!?!?

The Bible also tells of troubles in friendships. Job's friends scorned him and made him cry. (Job 16:20 & Job 19:19) The apostles abandoned Jesus. (John 16:32, II Timothy 1:15.) True friendship takes work. No friend, aside from Christ, is perfect. It can be uncomfortable, even painful at times, but Proverbs 17:17 tells me, "A friend loves at all times." Is it worth the struggles? Absolutely!

As I drove home after having spent time with my friend, I thanked the Lord for friendship. There is so much to be learned from it. My friend and I are far from the same; we view many things differently. Still, I can be challenged by her, appreciate her unique views, and hope she does the same with me. Thank you Lord, for the gift of friendship. Help me be a good friend to the precious people you've brought into my life.

Written by
Melody Foster