A Scripture devotional can be so powerful, but where do we begin? Getting started reading the Bible is trickyโฆ so weโve compiled verse reflections like this one with a Bible verse for today to help us connect with God in everyday moments.
Meaningful Friendships
We all need other people to walk alongside through life. A supportive friend can help us navigate hard seasons in our lives (they can also make things a lot more fun). However, creating meaningful relationships can be a struggle.
Check out todayโs verse reflection by Daniel Ryan Day, as he walks us through a verse in the Book of Proverbs and his experience with building strong friendships.
Scripture:
โOne who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brotherโ (Proverbs 18:24).
Written By Daniel Ryan Day
Iโve had a hard time making close friends. I wish I could blame it all on other people, but I think I share some blame too (okay I know I do). Hereโs where Iโve gone wrong: First, I never learned how to be a close friend. People have given me advice on how to be a good husband and a good dad, but I canโt remember anyone saying, โHey Daniel, hereโs what it means to build a strong friendship.โ Secondly, I used to think that a strong friendship required agreeing about everything. We needed to be on the same page. But recently Iโve been learning that itโs in disagreement that a relationship has the chance to really grow. Why? Because a true friend can agree to disagree, and still care about you.
The book of Proverbs in the Bible is a wisdom book. Itโs a collection of principles that basically say, โIf you live wisely, good things will probably happen.โ One of those practical principles is about friendship, and how a true friend cares about you and stands by you as if they were a blood relativeโcloser even, than your sister or brother.
That means that disagreement doesnโt intimidate a good friend. It means that all of your emotional baggage wonโt scare them away. Even the not-so-proud stuff can be known by this friend without fear or shame.
Why It Matters
We all need people we can lean on. God made us to live in community with others, and to discover what it means to know and be known. And ultimately, even Jesus, who knows everything about you, calls you his friend. So today, what can you do to be a really good friend to others, or to invite others to know you more?
We believe that simple devotions like this verse reflection help us to connect with God, so weโve curated a whole stash of short Christian devotions. Check them out here!
Daniel is married to his high school sweetheart, and dad to three. Heโs the author of Whatโs Next: Your Dream Job, Godโs Call and a Life That Sets You Free, and a podcaster at Our Daily Bread. He holds a Masterโs Degree from Fuller Theological Seminary, and is an ordained minister.