While attending a wedding recently, a friend and I were chatting. Not only had we realized that it had been quite a while since we conversed, but it seemed that was the case with many of our friends who were also at the wedding.

What had happened? 

Oh right … 2020 … ‘nuff said, right?

Well, after spending the evening enjoying each other’s company, I had resolved something. I missed my friends a lot, so I was going to reach out and schedule times to visit with them. 

Since that moment, I have had the privilege of meeting up with several friends. We have talked, we have laughed, and maybe even shed a tear or two. Overall, I have walked away each time with my heart full from time well spent. 

Proverbs 27:9 (TPT) says it so beautifully: “Sweet friendships refresh the soul and awaken our hearts with joy, for good friends are like the anointing oil that yields the fragrant incense of God’s presence.”

After studying the book of 1st Samuel this past year*, I learned how David and Jonathan’s friendship so beautifully illustrates this verse. Through all the joys and sorrows they shared, I discovered:

A true friend cares.
A true friend takes initiative.
A true friend encourages.
A true friend builds others up in the Lord. 

David and Jonathan’s friendship demonstrated how those attributes involve a sacrifice of time and energy, not to mention thinking about others and the willingness to go deep. 

Dear Friend, I pray that you are blessed with the company of a true friend or two in your life. But more importantly, I hope God’s Word challenges you to be a true friend to those around you.
~Joyce

*If you are interested in an interactive study via Zoom, join the FB page Whispers & Fringes – Women’s Bible Study. We will begin the book of John on January 8, 2022.