Have we learned the blessedness of friendships? How it really is worth fighting for them and not allowing the enemy to steal them away?

Oh, God, have we bowed yet to your heart telling us how sacred covenant relationships are and how the enemy loves to divide what was given to cherish.

Have our hearts yet understood the tribe of loyal Kingdom partners who honor and undergird one another in love and truth. Where the person is precious and indispensable to us.

Have we…?

Have we learned the art of Christ who loves well those given to us. Where we make it a point to check in on them, pray for them, delight in their friendship…

Or have we cared little…?

In this season, I’d like to cherish people more. Reach out more. Touch base more. Love more. Hug more.

Some sweet truths to ponder:

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. (Proverbs 17:17)

When Job’s three friends, Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite, heard about all the troubles that had come upon him, they set out from their homes and met together by agreement to go and sympathize with him and comfort him. (Job 2:11)

Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here; the LORD has sent me to Bethel.” But Elisha said, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel. (2 Kings 2:2)

 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. (Ecc: 4:9-10)

I am reminded of a cherished relationship also in the Word of God. It’s the friendship between David and Johnathan. A relationship that survived at all cost.

Johnathan’s own father was trying to kill his friend, David. But their covenant relationship was rooted in truth so Johnathan did all he could to keep David safe from harm. This is the heart of Jesus for our relationships.

Even as others are given to us to be good stewards of their hearts…so are cherished friendships also given as a gift from the Lord. Do all you can to keep them. For they were sent to bless your own heart as well as theirs.

Keep near the ones that Christ sends dear

To love you through all valley tears

For two is better always than one

When storms do blow away the sun.

Friends are a gift from Heaven’s heart

A love so bright as shinging stars

But Satan comes to steal away

The ones that Christ does send your way.

Guard well the hearts of loyalty

For few you’ll find as loyal as these

Don’t take for granted a friend, oh no!

For time is short on earth to sow.