Friends #5

I have been working on the acrostic Friends for the last few blogs and now come to the letter N. Just a quick refresher as I said F = Friends Fellowship or spend time with each other; R = Friends reach out or support each other; I = Friends identify with each other; E = Friends encourage one another. Now N = Friends Need Each Other.

It would only make common sense that if we are to survive in this world that we need to have friends or in other words be a friend to someone else. The writer of the book of Proverbs, King Solomon spoke of friendship a number of times. In Proverbs 17:17 he referred to the fact that a friend loves at all times and in 18:24 that there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother. In another book that Solomon penned detailing the rough spots in his life he noted in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 the importance of a friendship as without one struggles (my paraphrase). I can't put my finger on the verse right now but there is also the saying that if you want to have friends you need to be friendly.

In this world there are many people who live very lonely lives because they feel they can go it alone and yet in the end they realize they really can't. We speak in Christian circles of the Lone Ranger mentality (actually I am too young to remember him!) of thinking that I don't need anyone to help me in my spiritual life or even don't need to spend time with people. Yet, the fact remains friends to be true friends need each other. This is where you could say there is an overlap between encouraging one another as we sense our need for each other.

One other Biblical person that I think bears this out is the apostle Paul who near the end of his life wrote requesting his young disciple Timothy to come and be with him and even a person who Paul had problems with earlier, John Mark. Paul realized that he needed companionship and encouragement from friends.

In this past week this same idea has been borne out very vividly to me. Actually two incidents happened on the same day that indicated to me that not only do I need friends but friends want to share with me. On Thursday of this past week there was a card that came in the mail to my work of employment addressed to me. Inside the card was a gift card for a certain amount to a grocery store. Though the person did not identify themselves other than to say they were a Facebook friend I know that that person whoever they maybe, and I could guess but will leave it alone, was actually showing they cared for me and cherished a friendship even though it may be anonymous right now. That meant a lot to me.

The second incident occurred later that day. I work in a kids' club in my church and because of illness was not able to be there in the evening. After the club was over I received a phone call from an individual who indicated that they had gone to the church not knowing if they were needed and they took my place. What blew me away was that this person asked if they could do anything for me, i.e. get groceries or anything. Though I didn't need anything at that time I was very thankful for this person's thoughtfulness.

So friends really do need each other. What kind of friend are you? Do you sense that people need your friendship and are you willing to be a friend and let others be friends with you.