Which of your friends will pray with you and for you? Which of your friends will listen and try to understand your needs? Which of your friends offer you quick opinions and which offer you wise counsel?

We have a lot of friends and acquaintances throughout our lives. Some friendships are for a season while others continue in some way through every season. All of us should pray for the Lord to guide us to the people who will bless our lives as friends and strengthen our walk with God. All of us should pray for the wisdom to be that kind of friend for others.

When I packed my mom’s possessions to move her into a new place, a friend helped me physically box up and label her things. She helped me finish a job and she helped me spiritually to accept the change. The rewards were a simplified task and spiritual blessings for both of us. 

When we have gone through medical challenges, friends were there to ease the realities of life and to pray for our spiritual needs as well. We can be there for people when they have needs, knowing they will be there for us someday as well. Friends “lift” one another up.

Which friends do you enjoy at parties or other social events? Who is most likely to help when there is work to be done? Which friends do you call when you need someone to pray or give wise counsel? Do you have someone who can fill all of those categories?

Whom have you thought about as you heard these words? Thank the Lord for the friendships he has blessed you with. God knew we needed to walk through this life as a community of faith and experience what it means to “love one another” as Christ loved us.

Good advice and careful instruction provide wisdom. Praise God for the friends who provide wise counsel and the love of God. Let’s pray for the wisdom to be that kind of friend to others because that effort brings “good reward” for each of us.