No Greater Friend

Of all the blessings in my life, friendship is at the top of my list. Good friends are extremely valuable to me because they are hard for me to make. As a shy person, I struggle with the advice in the first part of today’s verse. Yet I am happy to say that I have had some wonderful friendships and find it easier to make friends today than I have in the past.

Julie and I met when we were in the second grade. She had just moved to our area and we soon became best friends. Moving away from that area when I was ten was very hard for me. I did not make lasting friendships at our new home, even though things were still good for me and my family and I know there was a purpose for it. When I was fifteen, we moved back to my hometown and I was happy to spend time with Julie again. Today, Julie and I live a few states away but check in with each other every now and then. I am glad for all the wonderful memories of our friendship and how having her as a friend helped give me the desire to be a writer. I hope that one day she can write her story as well.

Charlotte and I met in college. We prayed each other through some tough times and I was blessed to be in her wedding. Like Julie, Charlotte is only a message away as we continue to pray for each other.

Recently, I have gained new friendships that continue to help me grow. I pray that I continue to be a good friend and learn more through these friendships.

There is another friend, though, who is closer to me than anyone else. I met him when I was very young, and we became best friends when I was thirteen. Not a day goes by that I don’t hear from him and tell him what’s on my mind. Our key verse is so true in my life. There is no better friend than Jesus.

Dear Jesus, thank you that you are the closest friend anyone could ever ask for. Help me continue to be a friend to others and show your love to them. In Jesus' name, amen.

Throughout this Day: How has Jesus been a friend to you? What can you do to thank him for that today? Here is a beloved hymn about friendship with Jesus: There’s Not a Friend Like the Lowly Jesus.