THE SWEETNESS OF FRIENDSHIP
Refreshing Souls with God’s Love
“Just as lotions and fragrance give sensual delight, a sweet friendship refreshes the soul.” - Proverbs 27:9 MSG
In life, there are few treasures more precious than friendship. Proverbs 27:9 (MSG) beautifully compares friendship to lotions and fragrance that bring delight to the senses, reminding us how a sweet friendship refreshes the soul. A true friend, offering heartfelt counsel, makes our hearts glad, much like the sweetness of perfume that lifts our spirits. Friendship, when founded on love, not only refreshes but also transforms. It also reminds us that true friendship is a gift, a treasure to be cherished and nurtured.
“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” - 1 John 4:7-8 NIV
At the heart of every meaningful relationship is God's love. As we embrace His love, it begins to overflow into the relationships we nurture. 1 John 4:7-8 reminds us that "God is love," and this love is not only a part of who He is, but it defines His very essence. His love is unyielding, unconditional, and eternal.
This fundamental truth serves as the foundation for all our relationships. When we grasp the depth of God’s love, we become transformed, better equipped to share that love with others. We become vessels of His grace, capable of offering encouragement and support that is not just helpful, but profoundly uplifting.
Think of the times when a friend's words lifted your spirits, or their presence brought peace to your weary soul. That's the power of God's love at work, transforming ordinary connections into extraordinary blessings. When we love as God loves, we create spaces of safety, acceptance, and growth.
"Do not let unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." - Ephesians 4:29 NIV
In a world where unwholesome talk and negativity can easily permeate our interactions, Ephesians 4:29 calls us to a higher standard. It reminds us that true friendship requires mindfulness in our communication: “Do not let unwholesome take come out of your mouths…” It challenges us to be intentional with our words, speaking life and kindness into the lives of those around us. Godly friendship isn’t just about pleasant company – it’s about words and actions that edify, encourage, and strengthen. A friend’s heart-felt counsel can serve as both an anchor and a balm for weary souls, reminding us that we are not alone in our struggles.
A gentle word, a listening ear,
A heart that knows your deepest fear,
A bond that time cannot erase,
Transforms our hearts, filling this space.
Through whispered words and gentle care,
We lift each other’s burdens bare.
In times of joy, in sorrow’s stay,
Our friendship shines, come what may.
Our words can heal, our actions show,
God’s love, like perfume, we let it flow.
In friendship’s light, we start to grow,
As we share His love, our hearts will glow.
So let us love as He has shown,
A friendship's seed divinely sown,
In God's own love, we find our way,
To bless with kindness, that brightens each day.
As we go about our day, let's be intentional about cultivating friendships that reflect God's love. Let's be the kind of friend who listens with empathy, speaks with kindness, and extends grace without hesitation. Let's allow God's love to flow through us, refreshing the souls that heals the hearts of those around us.
Remember, just as the inscription in the image reminds us, "a sweet friendship refreshes the soul." Let us strive to be friends who are quick to listen, slow to speak, and always ready to share God's love with others. The sweetness of friendship is meant to be shared, a reflection of the greatest love of all.
Reflection Questions:
In what ways can you actively cultivate friendships that reflect God's unconditional love today?
How am I allowing my friendships to be transformed by God's definition of love rather than the world's? What might need to change in how I approach my relationships?
Let this song, “Faithful Friend,” from a few years ago sung by Twila Paris and Steven Curtis Chapman bless your hearts.
FAITHFUL FRIEND - Twila Paris, Steven Curtis Chapman
Friends are the so important in our healing journeys. When we surround ourselves with people that are cheering us on and we are cheering them on, it’s beautiful. Thank you for being a dear friend. Your writing was so dear!
Inspiring to read and know how good/great friendships are vital to a happy life. Thank God and Jesus to put people in our paths to share life. We need each other to support and be kind.