When you think of love, what comes to mind? A warm piece of chocolate cake? Your favorite tune? Your spouse or another family member?
All of us experience various kinds of love. You might say you “love” a piece of delicious cake. When you see someone you cherish, you might say you “love” him or her. But both uses of the word “love” carry different meanings altogether.
On this vast spectrum of meaning, I want to highlight the love found in the simple and pure existence of friends. Consider these Scriptures about friendship:
“Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” – John 15:13, NKJV
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” – Proverbs 17:17, ESV
Good friendship offers something truly unique and special. It’s one of the few relationships where embarrassing moments sweeten it, where a shameful past can be accepted, and where sharing and loving unconditionally are the ultimate goals.
We all need friendships like this. God reminded me of that recently when I underwent oral surgery to get my wisdom teeth removed. Most of you know this experience requires quite a bit of help — rides to and from the place of surgery, trust that others won’t take incriminating videos of you while under anesthesia and post them on YouTube, and post-operative care that involves tracking medication and removing bloody gauze from your mouth.
I had no family around to help me, but instead, a beautiful friend who volunteered to stay by my side and care for all my needs. Why did she do that? For some laughs at my embarrassing, drugged-out moments while under the influence of anesthesia? But more than that, because of friendship. Simple and pure friendship.
Thank God today for the friends He’s given you. Take time to show them your love.
Rachel Fou
Western Field Director
Inspiration