ODJ: friends forever
August 7, 2011
There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends (John 15:13).
READ: Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
In honor of Friendship Day (being celebrated today), Winnie the Pooh was named the world’s ambassador. Those familiar with the famous red-shirted teddy bear know that the collection of Pooh stories highlight the friendships Winnie has with a group of good friends: Piglet, Christopher Robin, Tigger, Kanga, Roo, Rabbit, and Eeyore. The group experienced many fun and challenging adventures together. On friendship, Winnie once said: “If there ever comes a day when we can’t be together, keep me in your heart. I’ll stay there forever.”
Solomon put himself in the shoes of a man who lacked companions and wrote on the importance and value of true friendship: “Two people are better off than one” (Ecclesiastes 4:9). His reasons? Friends help you succeed (v.9), care for you when you fall (v.10), keep you company when you’re lonely (v.11), and protect you when you’re in danger (v.12).
A friend is someone who shares the joy of your triumphs and the pain of your troubles (v.9). A friend lifts you up when you stumble on life’s rocky roads (v.10). A friend walks with you through the dark valleys (v.11). A friend stands with you to help you face life’s challenges (v.12). “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity” (Proverbs 17:17 NIV).
Talking about the love that exists between good friends, Jesus once said, “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13). And Jesus proved this friendship for us (Romans 5:6-8).
In Jesus, we have an amazing Friend. But there’s a condition that we need to solemnly consider: He said, “You are My friends if you do what I command” (John 15:14). What kind of a friend are you to Him? —K.T. Sim
Think of your friends. Who among them would qualify as your best friend and why? How are you a friend of God?
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