hen God created the first
man, Adam, he said, “It is not
good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.” (Genesis 2:18 NIV) And God created the first woman, Eve. From the very beginning of time, we were meant to be in relationship with other people.
God knows that friendships are important. And He wants you to have truly great relationships.
He says in the Bible, “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:12-13 NIV)
God intends friendships to bring us joy “A sweet friendship refreshes the soul.” (Proverbs 27:9b MSG)
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God knows friends make us stronger. “By yourself you’re unprotected. With a friend you can face the worst. Can you round up a third? A three-stranded rope isn’t easily snapped.” (Ecclesiastes 4:12 MSG)
The Bible also tells us how to be a really good friend, “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others.” (1 Peter 4:8-10 NIV) And this: “So speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you’ll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV)
Wouldn’t it be great if we loved our friends and were loved in return the way God intended?