ADVENTure 6 - Friends
“By the time David had finished reporting to Saul, Jonathan was deeply impressed with David—an immediate bond was forged between them. He became totally committed to David. From that point on he would be David’s number-one advocate and friend.” I Samuel 18:1 (MSG)
With some friends, we enjoy chatting with over coffee, going to a sporting event together or connect over shared work. Some care about us deeply – we pray for each other and help each other out in hard times. A few go to the inspiring levels of David and Jonathan whose story in 1 Samuel is well worth a read: Jonathan risked the displeasure of his father and sacrificed his own royal future. His steadfast friendship was instrumental in God’s purposes for Israel and enabled David to become the King he was called to be.
All levels and kinds of friendship are deeply significant in the life of faith. Eugene Peterson writes, “Friendship is … every bit as significant as prayer and fasting. Like the sacramental use of water and bread and wine, friendship takes what’s common in human experience and turns it into something holy.”
In a society where too many people are experiencing isolation, the Lightwave Community, is learning to be a place which nurtures and cherishes friendship. We do this through opportunities to work together, the commitment of meeting in small groups, helping each other out and through the way we seek to encourage each other in prizing friendships highly in all areas of our lives.
Think now of one of your friends and pray for them
Dear Lord Jesus, Thank you for my friend (name). Bless him/her today and I ask you to meet all his/her needs. Help me, in our friendship, to show and share your love. Amen
