[This reflection by Dazz Jones was published in the weekly news bulletin of Horley Baptist Church, 25/Jun/2023]
We are created for community, and friendship is a wonderful privilege that we enjoy with other people.
I am amazed at the way that sharing my own struggles has drawn the relationships I have with people tighter to me. So many of us struggle and fight things alone, we are dealing with things that we don’t want to tell everyone about, that we’re not sure if we can share. If you have a struggle you working with at the moment I urge you to share it with someone, someone who can listen to you and will not try and fix it for you but will hear you and empathise with you.
The Bible reminds us of the value and importance of friendship. In Proverbs 17:17, we read, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity”. True friends are there for us through the highs and lows, offering a listening ear, a comforting presence, and perhaps a helping hand. They walk beside us, sharing in our joys and providing a shoulder to lean on in times of sorrow. Through their love and support, they reflect the unconditional love of Jesus in our lives.
Friendship also plays a role in our spiritual growth. Proverbs 27:17 states, “Iron sharpens iron, and one person sharpens another”. When we surround ourselves with godly friends, they encourage us in our faith journey, challenging us to become better versions of ourselves, and pushing us towards becoming Christlike (or at least trying to!). They help us stay accountable to our beliefs, reminding us of God’s truth when we are tempted to do our own thing. Together, we can study the Word, pray, and worship Jesus, deepening our understanding of God’s love and purpose for our lives.
Jesus Himself modelled the essence of true friendship during His time on Earth. He chose twelve disciples, not merely as followers, but as companions and friends. He shared meals with them, taught them, and walked alongside them. In John 15:13, Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends”. He demonstrated this love by giving His life on the cross for us, showing the ultimate sacrifice and commitment that true friendship entails.
As a church community, we have an opportunity to foster a culture of friendship and inclusion. We can create spaces for fellowship, like our small groups, where people can connect, share their lives, and build meaningful relationships. We can reach out to those who may be lonely or new to the faith, extending the love of Christ and inviting them into the family of believers.
It was such a joy to come together at the church weekend recently, I felt a real joy being part of the team who’d planned it and so pleased to see everyone enjoy themselves as we prayed they would! Thank God for Horley Baptist Church.
Let us remember that friendship is a gift from God, and it is a gift we can give to others. As we embrace the gift of friendship, we experience the joy of belonging, the comfort of companionship, and encouragement in spiritual growth. May we value and pursue the friendships God has placed in our lives, and may we, in turn, be faithful and loving friends to those around us.
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Last week’s reflection: Who Is Your Best Friend? by Michael Goble
Contributed by Dazz Jones; © Dazz Jones