“Let’s Be Friends”
[By Sonyia Turner]
When we think of the many roles we have as Christians, friend isn’t the first thing that leaps into your mind. There are many notable friends throughout the Bible; to explore this idea, we need to know what a friend is and what examples do we see in the Bible?
The Oxford Dictionary defines friend as “a person whom one knows and with whom one has a bond of mutual affection”. There are two kinds of friends, the good and the bad. The Bible warns us of having the wrong kind of friends. In Paul’s letter to Corinth he warns, “Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals” (1 Corinthians 15:33, ESV). But we aren’t going to focus on the negative, the world gives us enough of those examples. Let us focus instead on friends that are good, just, and benevolent.
Looking at some examples from the book of Acts, our first friend to consider is Barnabas. In the account from Acts 9 after Saul’s conversion, he was seeking new friends. His old friends were now seeking to persecute him as he did the Christians in Damascus. He left town under threat of death, and headed to Jerusalem. Surely, he could find some new Christian friends there. Unfortunately, he was met with fear and distrust until Barnabas found him, “But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles and declared to them how on the road he had seen the Lord, who spoke to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus” (Acts 9:27, ESV). Barnabas was there for Saul giving him encouragement, and support offering him true friendship.
Are we supporting and encouraging our fellow Christians?
Jump ahead a few verses in Acts 9 to the account of Tabitha, as she is described as “full of good works and charity” (Acts 9:36, ESV). Her friends mourned her greatly, and sent for Peter in hopes of a miracle. After she was raised from the dead, “many believed in the Lord” (Vs. 42). She was important to the work in Joppa, her charity and kindness known to all, and she was deeply loved by many.
Are we generous and charitable?
Later, in Acts 16:14-15, a woman named Lydia is on the scene. A merchant woman, but with an open heart to the Lord’s word. In a quick turn of events, she and her household were converted, baptized and then hosts to Paul, Silas and Luke. With Paul and Silas imprisoned shortly after this, and their miraculous release, she again opened her home to them in Acts 16:40.
Are we hospitable friends?
Lastly, let’s consider the lame man whom Jesus healed in Mark 2:3-12. It was known around Capernaum that Jesus was there, teaching. One group of friends knew this was their chance to help their paralyzed friend. Without easy access to Jesus, they broke through the roof and lowered him right down at Jesus’ feet to be healed. Their faith in Jesus’ power was so great, they wouldn’t let their friend miss such an opportunity.
Are we friends that would do anything to help our friends see Jesus?
We should all remember our words, actions and influence can have a great effect on those around us. Not just our friends at church, but those in the world also! Let’s ALL strive to be like Barnabas -supportive and encouraging. Let’s ALL be like Tabitha – generous and charitable. Let’s ALL be like Lydia – welcoming and hospitable. Let’s ALL be like the lame man’s friends – finding every way to help our friends see Jesus.
They may be small things, but those can make the biggest impact.