The Medicine Cabinet: Laugh Often — Friday
John 15:12
This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. (NLT)
One of my very best friends lives almost 500 miles away. We actually met at a Southland Groups event years ago. At the time, she and her husband had two very small children, and my husband and I had one child with another on the way. We discovered we were both creatives who believed in Jesus, loved music, and survived the sleepless nights and tough mornings with tiny kids on cups of good coffee. As our families grew, so did our friendship. Our husbands became good friends, and our kids were shocked to find out we weren’t family because of the amount of time we spent together. A few years ago, my friend’s husband got a job in another state, and they moved. I still remember that conversation when we both had so much joy and excitement for this next stage in their lives, but also shared the sadness of knowing we’d be so far away after years of being so close.
What’s interesting, though, is that distance did nothing to shake our friendship. Sure, it changed, but we still see each other a couple of times a year, our kids still talk via FaceTime, and no matter how long it’s been since the last time we talked, every conversation and visit holds that same depth of love and closeness it always did. My friend can say the hard things to me in love, and vice versa. We can share our struggles and feel supported by each other. We celebrate each other’s victories. She is the picture of a friend like Jesus because she loves the way He does.
Jesus elevated those around Him and built them up in character and faith. He encouraged them. He held them accountable. He brought out the best in them. He helped them grow closer to God. He was truthful in love. He was welcoming. He was kind. He was honest. Jesus was the best model of true friendship, and we can learn from His example how to be that kind of friend to others.
Friday’s Reflection
Take some time to evaluate yourself and your friendships. Are you pointing others to Jesus and modeling His character? Are the friends you have able to hold you accountable in truth and love? As you go into your weekend, ask the Lord to surround you with friends who encourage your faith, and ask Him to help you be that kind of friend to others.