In my B.C. (before Christ) life, I took relationships with friends for granted. So many people who came into my life didn’t stay for long, and I constantly had drama all around me. To be honest with you, I was not a very nice person B.C.. Now, in my A.D. (after death) life, I look back on those times and realize how messed up I was to my friends, and I wish I could go back and change the way I treated them.

Did you know that friends are an important part of growing in Christ? If you read the verse Proverbs 27:17, you will notice that our friends sharpen us. They are the anvil that helps keep us strong and gives shape to our being. True friends hold us accountable and they love us unconditionally, much like Jonathan loved David in 1 Samuel. After Jonathan died, David was saddened and said, “Your love to me was wonderful, surpassing the love of women (2 Sam 1:26).” The bond between David and Jonathan was strong, to the point of life and death, and we need to have a circle of friends who loves us the same way.

Perfect love is called agape love. It’s the love that is described in 1 Corinthians 13, and the very example of the love that Christ gave to all people. Do we love our friends with agape love or do we have conditions and limits to how much we love them? Jonathan helped David get away from his enemies. He risked his life to save David’s life. Have you ever been loved by a friend like that? Sure you have. Jesus Himself became the living sacrifice for us. He didn’t have to think twice. He didn’t have us plead our cause. He just did it because He loves us so much that He wanted to be friends with us forever! Friend, we are so blessed to have these examples of friendship.

I have a small circle of really good friends who I can count on. These women can’t possible know how much they mean to me and how much they’ve helped me grow in my relationship with the LORD. I love them so much that I pray for them daily, just like I do for my own family. Each one of them holds me accountable, and, if I needed them to, they’d give me the shirts off of their backs to keep me warm. They are selfless, respectful, and show agape love every single day. Since I’ve known these beautiful souls, they’ve nearly diminished my anxiety to nothing because of their relationships with Jesus and their prayers for me. “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18).” That’s how I try to show love to them in return. Like Jonathan and David, we build each other up.

I’m praying that you have friends like David and Jonathan. If not, find yourself a bible study in your area and share Jesus with as many people as you can. I’ve made friends in places I never would have expected and you can to. It’s important to have fellowship with like-minded people who simply want to sharpen you like iron on an anvil. Don’t forget, you have a perfect friend in Jesus Christ who died for you and wants to hold your heart. If you would like prayer or to simply have fellowship, please send us a message under the “Contact Us” page and we’ll get back to you. Love you all!