The Divine Gift of Selfless Friendship

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Sadly, friendships that are based on sincere and profound affection are rare among men and are frequently maintained at a distance. It's likely that we have a large circle of friends that enjoy the same things as us, like buddies who go fishing, watch football, or perform music. Of certainly, we should celebrate this kind of companionship! However, if your friendships consist just of office gossip or fantasy football tactics, you haven't yet encountered the heavenly gift of selfless friendship that the Bible extols.

My earliest memory of being told I loved me by a buddy was when I was in my early 20s. I was surprised and, to be honest, uneasy since I didn't have a term for a caring friendship that wasn't promiscuous or betrayed our common beliefs in the Bible. More than just same hobbies or pastimes, this friend was ironically attempting to model a biblical friendship based on something deeper and more fundamental. He was modeling the teachings of Proverbs 17 at that same moment, showing me that no matter what I was going through, he was a support system and a lover at all times.

Do you know anyone who needs to know they are sincerely loved and do you have people like this in your life?

Friendships that are selfless, loving, and nurturing do not just happen. They don't just appear out of nowhere, nor do we stumble upon them. They need a conscious decision to go beyond similarity and shared interests. Taking a friendship into the Proverbs 17 lane could take guts. Maybe it starts with a straightforward inquiry that encourages openness, honesty, and trust. "What challenges are you facing at this moment, and how can I help you overcome them?" Likewise, think of methods to include a friend in your challenges. Just saying, "I need you to walk with me through this," can completely change a friendship.

Genuine camaraderie stems from God's selfless affection. Thank God for your friends who serve as role models for this truth as you celebrate this reality today. Likewise, ask the Lord to show you how to be a caring friend to someone who needs to know that you are there for them no matter what happens.