Before even beginning to write this blog post, the title alone made me smile. Did it do the same for you? Perhaps it’s because God created us for fellowship; our hearts yearn for it and have done so since the dawn of man. From the beginning, God Himself said it wasn’t good for man to be alone, even before sin entered the world. With sin in the picture shortly thereafter and plentiful still today, we experience an onslaught of problems that heartily invite worry to our thoughts and weight to our souls. Our need for loyal and godly friends has become that much more salient for the strengthening of our faith and the wellness of our lives.

A Dedicated Friend

Recently, I attended a funeral of a man named Chase, who went home to be with Jesus after a valiant battle against cancer. He was a close and longtime friend of our dear friend, Aaron. The two met in law school and became fast friends with a mutual admiration for each other’s wit and intelligence. In fact, Chase often pointed to intellect when Aaron shared the Gospel with him several times over the years. “You’re too smart to believe the Bible,” he would retort.

After Chase’s cancer treatment proved unhelpful and he was left only with the hope of clinical trials, Aaron came to Chase’s house to get serious about where true hope comes from. He explained to Chase that he wanted to walk through scripture with him, so he could learn about a Savior who loves him, died for him, and wants to be in a personal relationship with him. Aaron gave Chase license to ask any questions or debate anything about what he read in the Bible; he only asked for a commitment to read together as Aaron helped unravel any mystery while offering an introduction to know Jesus.

Over the course of two years, they read a few verses or chapters depending on the complexity of the daily content. Aaron would follow up with a text message, adding relevant context, history, or clarity to the Bible passages, as well as life application. As Chase journeyed through with Aaron, he grew in his knowledge and understanding of biblical truth, and as his discernment grew, his heart also softened towards Jesus. During Chase’s funeral service, Aaron chronicled their text messages, which clearly illustrated Chase’s transformation over time. Aaron’s dedication to his friend ultimately led him not only to know and love Jesus, but also to become an outspoken advocate for Christ and His Word. Chase left this world with peace and the confidence of Heaven. When it mattered most, Aaron prioritized Chase like a brother, loving him patiently, consistently, and intentionally, and it made all the difference (Proverbs 18:24, Proverbs 17:17).

Biblical “Hall of Fame” Covenant Friendships

The Bible tells us that iron sharpens iron, illustrating the mutual benefit of fellowship. Two people have the ability to bring out the best in each other. The early church clearly understood this and even “devoted themselves” to fellowship, communion, and prayer with one another (which, by the way, had an incredible impact by daily increasing the number of people who were saved!) (Acts 2:42-47). Scripture is also clear that when two or more people gather in His name, He’s going to show up among them (Matthew 18:20). I don’t know about you, but I feel more confident and hopeful about anything that has the Lord woven into its fabric.

In the book of Ruth, Naomi was living in a foreign land when her husband and both sons passed away, leaving her destitute and without options for a quality of life. Her two daughters-in-law, although also widowed, were young enough to marry again and bear children, which would change their trajectory. Determined to return to her homeland, Naomi hugged her daughters-in-law goodbye and released them to a new life. Ruth, however, chose to remain with Naomi even though it likely offered fewer positive outcomes for her personally. She prioritized her relationship over herself. “Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried,” stated Ruth with determination. Once in Bethlehem, Ruth’s story continued to unfold with evidence of God’s blessing and provision, and amazingly, beyond more than she could have hoped for, she eventually became part of the genealogy that led to Jesus! Ruth is a picture of the greatest love, one that lays down her life for another (John 15:13). 

Another biblical friendship marked by a love beyond measure is recorded between David, the anointed and future king of Israel and Jonathan, the would-be heir to the throne had his royal father followed the Lord’s direction. Human nature would have assuredly stirred jealous feelings in Jonathan, for it seemed his future had been ripped away. In fact, his father, King Saul could not control his own emotions. Pride, jealousy and revenge caused Saul to hunt for David in an attempt to kill him and keep him from taking the throne. Jonathan, however, valued God’s plans and ways more than his or his father’s. “And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself” (1 Samuel 18:3). Throughout the book of 1 Samuel, we repeatedly see Jonathan defend and protect David and even strengthen him in his faith (1 Samuel 23:15-17). Jonathan’s friendship with David was rooted in God, and his bond with and loyalty to David remains an example for the ages.

Across the Miles and in Everyday Life

In my own life, I have experienced a similar theme: my closest and deepest friendships are those with a shared faith and dependency on Jesus. Although I recognize and act upon the call to love all people, there is a natural draw and ease (perhaps a recognition of the Holy Spirit) among the family of Christ. One of my dearest friends was even introduced to me by her husband, who I had interacted with through business. I’ll never forget him saying, “I think you need to meet my wife. I really believe you two will love each other.” Sure enough, one lunch together cemented 25 years of friendship almost instantly. Despite living in different cities for the last 15 years, having children in different seasons of life, and juggling careers, travel and life, our hearts have continued to yearn for each other’s regular interaction and input. Our calls and videos (thank you, Marco Polo!) include laughter, complete transparency, and sometimes receiving hard and helpful truth that only comes from a genuine friend. The support from someone who knows you fully is something that cannot be taken for granted.

My daily life has been immensely blessed by weaving other faithful friends into it. Because human life was designed for companionship and intimacy, God provides blessings through friendship. Scripture affirms that “two are better than one” for help, warmth and strength (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). I can attest to the comfort I’ve received from praying friends, correction I’ve needed from truthful friends, encouragement from friends that has spurred me on, and joy that has been multiplied by celebrations with friends. Without question, the bonds of friendship invite holy rewards. Are you opening yourself to the blessings?

Will you pray with me?

Lord, God, what a gift You have given us in friendship; not just a cure for loneliness, but an opportunity to collaborate with You in divinely expanding love in our lives. May we open ourselves to be vulnerable and to receive Your blessings through the fellowship and encouragement of others. Work through us and in us to accomplish Your beautiful purposes. In Jesus’ holy name, Amen.