“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first fruits of all he created.”
James 1:17-18 (NIV)
Acquaintances are not the same as friendship. Acquaintances are superfluous and only require polite, courteous respect. Friendships, on the other hand, are not so easy. Friendships are dynamic. They include politeness, courtesy, and respect along with love, commitment, acceptance, patience, kindness, and generosity among other considerations.
Friendships are difficult to develop. But I decided to work on them anyway. After all, I have some dear friends. Our personalities seem to fit remarkably well as we journey through life together. Perhaps a little trip down memory lane is in order.
Smiles come first, as I think about various times we have poked fun at one another. Then I consider the meals we have shared from McDonald’s to fancy-sit-down establishments complete with a MaitreD and floor shows. We have made memories at Pastors’ Retreats and Saturday night fireside fellowship. We have memories of church General Assemblies at which we discussed the pros and cons of doctrinal issues (I thought I had lost some of you there). We have changed together: some got bigger, some lost hair, all of us got older (thank the Lord). Our conversations have improved over the years (we love and listen despite our opinions and positions on issues). We have ministered to one another through the hard times (divorce, death of loved ones, financial loss, failures, addictions, and depression).
I have discovered that friendships function in two directions. From me to you and from you to me. True friendships are never one-sided. Maybe this devotional that I am sharing with you will bring back warm memories we have shared together. Our responsibilities, as well as time and distance may, keep us from getting together very often but, dear friend, I want to assure you of my love and friendship. Your friendship is one of those “good and perfect gifts,” which the Father above has given to me. And I cherish every memory we share.
Dear Father, thank you for the grace and mercy of your unchanging friendship. Thank you for the gift of friends you have given to me. Grant that my friends, who read these words, will be blessed to walk in your presence. O Lord, help me control my personal idiosyncrasies so they will not be a burden to my friends. Remind us that you are our friend to the end. Enable all of us to be true friends. And empower us to support our friends with loving care and concern. I pray this prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN
Let us praise God for his gift of friendship and live as friends must,