Proverbs 18:1 “An unfriendly man pursues selfish ends; he defies all sound judgment.” NIV

Friendship among men is not a major strength for most. Why is that? As Proverbs states, selfishness is a major contributor. And that’s a sin. Friendship requires me to reach out to another, to be there with them, to invest in the relationship, to love them even when they may not be so lovable. It means sacrificing my agenda for someone else’s agenda. That’s a big one for me. My “to do list” can dominate my actions and my day. In reading the gospels, it’s quite apparent that while Jesus had a mission to accomplish on the Cross, he took the time along the way to invest in the lives of people. Indeed, He came to serve and to share the words of eternal life. He invested deeply in the lives of twelve men. These men became his friends.  

Some time ago on a wintry Saturday morning after a heavy snow fall, this truth hit me between the eyes.  After shoveling my driveway, I headed out to the gym to get my workout in before tackling the rest of my “to do list” for the day. As I drove out of the driveway on my way to the gym, there was my neighbor, *Chuck, beginning to shovel his very large driveway. Blissfully traveling to the gym and planning my day, it did not hit me until I arrived at the gym what I had just done. Chuck was someone I had been praying for in regards to building a relationship with him in hope of being a witness for Christ. Here was a perfect opportunity and I was about to miss it!  I got back in the car and headed home to help Chuck.  

Proverbs 18:24 “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.” KJV To have friends, I must take the first step. The fullness of life is measured and experienced in our relationships. First with God, (John 10:10) and then with others. The fullness of our lives will grow abundantly as we invest in relationships. May your friendliness be overflowing!       

*Not his real name.  

KIRK THOMSEN

"And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." Matthew 4:19