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THE GIFT OF FRIENDSHIP

Dear COA Family,

Friendship is one of the most precious gifts we can ever receive in this life. This is because we are all created with the need to connect deeply with at least one other person. And without friendship, connection with another human being is impossible.

This is also because of us human beings being made in the image of God. God is Father, Son and Holy Spirit who loves and relates perfectly with one another in the Godhead. 

The theme of friendship is explored numerous times in the Bible. For example, Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says: “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labour: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.”

Many attribute this saying to a couple in a marriage relationship and that is not wrong, but its larger application is to the importance of friendship. We all need someone to help us and we can also help someone else in their time of need.

In the Scriptures, David attributed his friendship with Jonathan as one of the factors that sustained him through hard times. When he heard of Jonathan’s death in battle, he exclaimed, “I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother; you were very dear to me. Your love for me was wonderful, more wonderful than that of women” (2 Samuel 1:26).

Even Jesus emphasises the need for friendship. Despite being saddled with the mission to save the world through giving up his life, he called twelve persons to relate to him in a special way. He therefore said to his disciples, “I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you” (John 15:15).

Do you enjoy a close friendship with someone else today? Pray that the Lord will grant you friends who are faithful and upright, who can support you through the trials of life in a godly way.

Ecclesiasticus 6:16 says, “Faithful friends are life-saving medicine; and those who fear the Lord will find them.”

More importantly, are you being a good friend to another today? Do you take time to show care and concern for your friend instead of just being absorbed in your duties and responsibilities? Remember that whatever care we give, no matter how small, can help those around us greatly.

Friendships cannot take place without a commitment and sacrifice to spend time with others.

May we all be blessed, nourished and encouraged by close and good friendships in this season!

Revd Ian