New And Old Friends!

July 21, 2022

New And Old Friends!

We have lived full time in our home (actually just the basement!) since last Saturday.  We attended a church, a Starbucks, and took a few walks.  But, what has been most rewarding is meeting new people. 

We met a young woman who lives in our neighborhood at the Loveland City Offices, we met a woman who lives a few houses from us while going to get the mail, and we have met three or four neighbors while we have been pulling weeds in the yard.

Last evening, we shared supper with the couple who lives across the street from us.  They invited us to join them for a simple meal and time to get acquainted.  It was a joy! 

In less than a week, I have been reminded that we all need friends.  We need our old friends and we need some new friends.  I cherish my friends Dan and Dave in Omaha, I treasure my friends Howard and Janet in McCook, and I value my friends (I am not going to name names!) in North Platte. 

My old friends know me well enough they can celebrate with me, provide guidance for me, and hold me accountable when I need it most.  I will do my best to continue nurturing my relationships with those old friends.

At the same time, the encounters of the last few days have reminded me that I also long for some new friends.  The new friends will not replace the old friends.  Instead, my new friends will teach me some things about being a friend and having a friend.

We need friends.  The blessing of making friends is they come in unexpected ways.  Jesus teaches important lessons about the importance of friends.  What is interesting is that many of the people who respected and honored Jesus as the Savior, did not feel comfortable relating to Jesus as their friend.

In John 15:14, Jesus says; “You are my friends if you do what I command you.  I do not call you servants any longer because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends…”  

Jesus desires to be the Son of God, our Rock, and our Savior.  Jesus also desires to be our friend.  For Jesus, friendship means sharing values, sharing life, and sharing love.

Whether our friend is Jesus or someone at work or a neighbor or someone on the team, friends offer the gift of precious blessings and deep connection.  Friendship with other people and with Jesus is what gives life meaning. 

When sin takes control, a friend will listen to our struggle and pray for strength. 

When sadness overwhelms, a friend will encourage our weary heart. 

When burdens weigh us down, a friend will lighten our load. 

When the challenge leaves us weak, a friend will provide us help.

When there is trouble in our soul, a friend will lead us back to the peace of God.

When we have been hurt by someone, a friend will be faithful without condition.

When there is no safe and sacred place, a friend will offer protection to shield you.

When there is not enough, a friend will do their best to provide what we need most.

Jesus is the model of what it means to be a friend and to have a friend.  Jesus will hold us and help us.  Jesus will give us strength and salvation.  Jesus will encourage us and inspire us.  Jesus will provide for us and protect us.  Jesus will listen to us and lead us.  Jesus is your friend! 

Jesus is a good friend and invites you to be a good friend to other people.

I encourage you to nurture your current friendships; do something extra special for one of your friends this week.  I also challenge you to take the first steps of making a new friend this week.  When you do so, Jesus will fill your heart with delight.

Take Delight In The Lord!

Doug

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