Give Thanks For A Friend!

November 21

Give Thanks For A Friend!

It is easy to take our friends for granted. 

We get too busy and a little distance creeps into the relationship.  We get a little hurt and hesitate to reach out to them the next time.  We get distracted by another friend or a family crisis or even an addiction and they don’t seem quite as important.

Sometimes we underestimate what a treasure one good friend can be.  We begin to believe they will always be there for us.  We forget that our friend is a gift that is precious and fragile.  We sometimes do not value the good things they are pouring into our life.

King Solomon learned how important it is to have a good friend.  In Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (CEV) Solomon writes; “You are better having a friend than to be all alone, because then you will get more enjoyment out of what you earn.  If you fall, your friend can help you up.  But if you fall without having a friend nearby, you are really in trouble.  If you sleep alone, you won’t have anyone to keep you warm on a cold night.  Someone might be able to beat up one of you, but not both of you.  As the saying goes, “A rope made from three strands of cord is hard to break.”

According to Solomon, a good friend…

+relieves our loneliness

+brings joy to our life

+helps us in trouble

+provides companionship

+stands up for us

In the book of Proverbs, King Solomon describes another benefit that comes with having a good friend.  In Proverbs 27:17 (CEV) Solomon writes; “Just as iron sharpens iron, friends sharpen the minds of each other.”

A good friend…

+helps us grow when we need to grow

+holds us accountable when we make excuses

+provides guidance when we are uncertain

+challenges our assumptions when we need to see in a new way

+makes us a better person

+encourages us to improve our skills

+takes a risk when we are afraid

+protects us when we are vulnerable

+counsels us when we are hurting

+comforts us when we are sad

+is honest with us when others only tell us what we want to hear

+is kind and gentle when we need grace

+is trustworthy and dependable when we need someone on which to lean

+listens when we need to talk

+celebrates our victories

+stands by us when we have failed

There is more I could include on this list.  The point is there is much for which we can give God thanks for our friends.  The Apostle Paul understood the importance of giving thanks to the Lord God for our friends.

In Ephesians 1:16-17 Paul writes, “I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him…” 

The people in the church at Ephesus were Paul’s friends.  When he is away, Paul remembers them, prays for them, and gives thanks to God for them.  We can do the same for our friends this week.

As you continue to give God thanks for three things each day this week, I invite you to make those three things to be expressions of thanks for your friends.  So, three things for which you are thankful for your friends each day for the next seven days.

I am certain the Lord will fill your heart with more and more delight for the friends you already have.  You will be blessed in amazing ways…and so will your friends.

Take Delight In The Lord!

Doug