The Gift of Friendship
As I count my blessings this Thanksgiving, I am so thankful for the friends God has given me throughout my life. Friendship is one of the great blessings of life, isn't it? It is a gift from God. It's hard to imagine getting through life - childhood, teen-age, young adult, later years - without our friends. Friends laugh with you, cry with you, pray with you, stand beside you. A good friend will confront you when you need to be told something difficult, be there when you need someone to lean on, and hold you accountable to the important things in life.
The relationship we share with family is special but the non-blood bond we share with our friends is special in a different way. Proverbs 27:9-10 says "Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice. Do not forsake your friend or a friend of your family, and do not go to your relative's house when disaster strikes you - better a neighbor nearby than a relative far away." In this scripture, the blessing of friendship and a friend's advice is compared to the fragrant aroma of perfume and incense that ascends to the Lord. God is pleased when we develop good friendships. I think Jesus and His disciples are a beautiful model of friendship. They worked together, laughed together, cried together, and prayed together. They also encouraged one another and held each other accountable. Of course, the disciples fell short at times in their support of Jesus but that's not too surprising because, like us, they weren't perfect.
Friendship is a two-way street. To have friends, we need to be a friend. Let's be willing to befriend others and extend love when we have the opportunity. Small, consistent acts of kindness are more important than the occasional grand gesture. As we reflect on all that we have to be thankful for this season (including our families), let us give thanks to God for the friends He has brought into our lives. Proverbs 18:24 says "there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." Maybe our relationship with friends and family aren't supposed to be that much different after all.
Lastly, I just want to say thank you to the WCCC church family for your Pastor Appreciation gifts, cards, and notes. Your generosity is overwhelming! My family and I are deeply blessed to be in fellowship and friendship with each of you. THANK YOU! I hope you, your family, and your friends have a Happy Thanksgiving (sorry if this arrives after the holiday)!
God bless,
Pastor Darren
