Encouraging Friends

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. — John 15:13

Treasure friends who encourage you, for they are precious gems. You can confidently share your dreams and hopes with a true friend. A true friend can be rare, but when friendship is proven, it must be treasured and kept safe. Real friends believe in you. They listen and cheer you on as you pursue your dreams. They share your pain at each failed step, share your joy at each moment of progress, and celebrate your triumphs.

True friends love at all times.

There is nothing you can say or do that will diminish the love of a friend who loves unconditionally. If you make a mistake, rest assured that your friend will show constant affection toward you and be honest with you because of the love you share.

The greatest love is when a friend lays down his or her life for you. This is the way that God loves us. God laid down His life through His Son, Jesus Christ, so that we could be saved. Now, that is true friendship! What is more, anyone may become His friend by trusting in Him as one’s personal Savior, being born again, and receiving new life in Him.

Heavenly Father, You are love itself. Thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus, who laid down His life for me. That is true friendship. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Excerpted with permission from Devotions for Hope by Karen Whiting, copyright Zondervan.

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Your Turn

February, the Month of Love, is the perfect time for us to thank the Lord for our friends who share life with us and love us in return and to let them know how treasured they are. Who are your friends? To whom are you an unconditional friend? Come share with us on our blog! We want to hear from you about your friends and being a great friend! ~ Devotionals Daily