The Value of Friendship

By: Jenifer Metzger

Oil and incense bring joy to the heart, and
the sweetness of a friend is better than self-counsel.

Psalm 27:9 CSB

I am a homebody. I love being at home with my people. A day I don't have to leave the house all day, is a really good day. Partially because of my intense love for being at home and partially because I am an introvert to the max, it has made friendships a bit of a challenge.

For years I didn't even have what I would call a true friend. And to be honest, I was perfectly okay with that. All I needed was my family. However, over the years I have learned the true value of friendship.

About thirteen years ago, God placed a woman in my life. We became friends quickly. We bonded over our love for Jesus and our families. We found similarities that connected us and we found differences that helped us to grow. Having another woman, like-minded and Godly, to go to for a shoulder to cry on, wise counsel, prayer, and to just chat, has been so life giving. Since meeting my best friend thirteen years ago, I've made other dear and life-long friends along the way. Women to come along side of and do life with.

Friendship can be hard. Maybe you've been deeply wounded by a former friend. Maybe you've been left out by a friend group. Maybe you've been offended, lied about, or faced the loss of friendship. Maybe you're at a place where you just want give up on friendship altogether. Maybe you've never even had a true friend and don't know how to make one. Sister, I know friendship is hard. I know it can bring pain at times. However, the value of friendship far out weighs the pain.

Two are better than one because they have

a good reward for their efforts. For if either

falls, his companion can lift him up; but pity

the one who falls without another to lift him up.

Ecclesiastes 4:10 CSB

The value of friendship:

• Someone to laugh with
• Someone to cry with
• Someone to make memories with
• Someone to share stories with
• Someone to encourage you
• Someone to be encouraged by you
• Someone to push you closer to God
• Someone to remind you to read the Word
• Someone to speak into your life out of love
• Someone to pray with
• Someone to be a prayer warrior for you
• Someone to hold you accountable
• Someone to lift you up when you fall

If you have a true friend, cultivate and grow that relationship. Pray over her daily. Make time for the relationship. Let her know how much you value her.

If you don't have a true friend, begin to pray and ask God to place someone in your life that you can grow a friendship with. Then, put yourself out there by joining Bible studies to meet like-minded women of God. Attend women's events at your church. Reach out to other women in your neighborhood. 

There is much value in a good friendship. But first we have to find that friend, and then cultivate that friendship.

Discussion:
1. Do you have a true friend? If so, how do you cultivate that relationship?
2. What value do you see in a true friendship?