Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Eccl. 4:9-10 (NLT)
Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel. Prov. 27:9 (ESV)
Anyone who withholds kindness from a friend forsakes the fear of the Almighty. Job 6:14 (NIV)
Dear heavenly Father, of the many gifts you give us in life, few compare with the gift of good friendship. I’m grateful today for the unique gladness and sweetness that come from walking together with a few close friends.
And since both oil and perfume are produced only by pressure and crushing, it shouldn’t surprise us when our friendships become most precious to us during the most difficult seasons of life. And yet, many times when life gets hard, we retreat into a dark hole of isolation or the illusion of self-sufficiency.
Father, forgive me when I withhold my struggles and heartaches, strong temptations and foolish choices from my friends. This is friendship-larceny—friendship grand larceny. We fulfill the law of Christ by bearing each other’s burdens, and that includes letting someone bear our burdens.
Surely one of the main tactics of the devil is to alienate us from the very place where you meet us—in the cathedral of our brokenness, the fellowship of mutually needy friends… in the sanctuary of grace given and grace received. Father, may the gospel grant be greater freedom to be vulnerable, honest, and generous when sharing my weaknesses with close friends.
Likewise, Father, may the gospel free me to be way more present in the crises and crucibles of my friends. Quite often, I feel incompetent and ill informed to wade into certain messes. But friendship isn’t about giving the right answers, but offering merciful listening—it’s not about our competency, but your compassion.
By your grace, and for your glory, Father, make me a much better friend. And I bless you today, 1000 times over, for the good friends you have woven into the tapestry of my life. So very Amen I pray, in Jesus’ triumphant and tender name.
