Friendships Are Gifts From God. How to Treasure Them

Friendships are gifts from God. That may sound very basic but it’s when we remember God orchestrated every human contact we can be grateful even when it’s a challenging connection.

When we are tempted to grumble instead, let’s remember…

1. Friendships are God’s gift.

Sometimes we define “good” as “trouble-free.” We can easily assume God made a mistake or is mean-spirited when He connects us with an “unlovable” person. And certainly God might lead us to limit our availability but every person has a purpose in our lives and we have God’s purpose in their lives. There might be a specific talent or perspective you offer few others can offer. Look for that kind of opportunity.

Proverbs 27:17 tells us, “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”

2. Friendships are an invitation to draw closer to God.

For instance, if boundaries are needed, seek His plan and don’t immediately assume you should cut off the friendship.

I remember a challenging friendship which seemed her fault. I thought of requirements for her behavior which would eliminate my uncertainty.

Suddenly, I saw my plan of not needing to seeking God’s guidance at each challenge. I released my control and learned to be more loving and kind empowered by God’s love for me. I remembered James 1:2: “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds.”

In different situations, people have different perspectives. That can feel stressful and we might want to withdraw or control. God’s power can give us a gracious perspective of honoring others and see how we depend upon God because of it.

3. Friendships are examples to encourage us.

Is there someone who handles stress better than you by depending upon God? Ask her how she maintains her peace. Is there someone who sets up priorities more effectively than you? Ask her about how she makes plans. Is there someone who sets goals more thoughtfully? Ask her to share her ideas.

Most of us resist asking for help but we need to humble ourselves. One humble question can open the door within another person’s heart to help us.

4. Friendships aren’t for comparisons.

You may have a friend who is trained in interior decorating. Don’t belittle your lack of designing skills. Another friend is a fabulous gourmet cook and you can’t seem to remember to take the neck and giblets out of the cavity of the Thanksgiving turkey. Don’t apologize or diminish what you can do. God has given you unique skills others think are great.

God never wants you to compare with another. I Corinthians 12:5-6 tells us “there are varieties of service,… but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone.” You are uniquely suited for God’s service to others. 

Be grateful for the God-given skills He’s given you even if they seem lacking in comparison. You have ideas others lack and are impressed by. Use them for God’s glory.

What do you appreciate the most about God’s gift of friendships?

(For more biblical encouragement and ideas about friendships in the Bible, consider my women’s Bible study “At the Heart of Friendship: Daughters of the King Bible Study Series“. It is designed for individual and small group study with 10 lessons with commentary and questions based on Scripture about biblical women.)