What do you consider the greatest of all your blessings? Surely at the top of the list would be a personal relationship with Jesus and (hopefully!) your family.
But according to French author, Francois de La Rochefoucauld (1613-1680):
Some time ago, a group of people decided that friends were such a blessed part of life, they wanted a day set aside specifically to celebrate these relationships. In 1935, Congress proclaimed National Friendship Day. The observation occurs on the first Sunday of August. That’s this Sunday, the seventh.
Friends do fill our lives with delightful blessings: the beauty of companionship, the joy of sharing experiences and like interests, the warmth of heart-to-heart communication, and the grace of acceptance in spite of faults.
Those friends who share our faith in Jesus provide even more benefits.
They push us nearer to God by their example, their encouragement, and their prayers for us. When trouble assaults, they remind us of scriptural truth, God’s attributes, and his provision in the past.
Christian friends are “Jesus with skin on.” (That phrase in quotes comes from a pastor in our past who used it frequently.) Isn’t that a delightful way to describe our ministry to one another? His Spirit works through us providing the encouragement, help, and care we all need.
I also appreciate a Native American translation of the word, friend: “the one who carries my sorrows on his back.” That’s a true friend—the one who comes alongside to empathize, assist, and pray.
My heart is warmed as I remember such friends (and family members who were and are like friends), each of whom have played various roles in my life: companion, listener, encourager, advisor, confidence-builder, mentor, role model of behavior, wisdom-bestower, heartache-easer, prayer warrior. These special people have contributed invaluably to my life story and who I am.
Some of my dear friends (including those with family ties) are reading these words right now. And “I thank my God every time I remember you” (Philippians 1:6), not just on Friendship Day.
You are the charming gardeners who have made my soul blossom (Marcel Proust). I am so very grateful for the abundant happiness and joy you all have brought into my life.
But these friendships of faith would not be possible without our most precious Friend of all: Jesus (John 15:15).
Because of his love poured out in our hearts, we can love each other.
Because he is our refuge, joy, and hope, we can offer the same.
As we allow his influence to transform us, we are able to reflect that same influence into the lives of our friends. His attributes such as wisdom, understanding, patience, kindness, and goodness, become part of our responses with others.
Best of all, because of our friendship with Jesus, our human “friendships begun in this world will be taken up again, never to be broken off” (Francis de Sales).
How glorious is that?!
(Photo credit: www.flickr.com.)
From the Inside Out 
Wow! What a wonderful devotional today…friendships are truly a gift from God…and I am so blessed to call you friend! Hugs and love, Gail Pag
Praise God for his inspiration and guidance as I write, Gail. Thank you for your kind words. I still remember your caring hugs and the delight of being your roommate at the Ladies of Leesburg retreat! Love back to you, friend!
very glorious indeed!!! sorry, I probably just answered a rhetorical question 😉
Oh, but so glad you did! Your enthusiastic exclamation marks and cute imogee (Is that the word I want?!) lifted my spirit! Love to you, my friend!
I think you want “emoji”. Thank you for your constant encouragement and blogging friendship, Nancy 😇💛
Ah–emoji. Thank you, Heidi!
SO BLESSED to call you my friend… for all eternity (and that’s a promise!).
Oh, yes–and in eternity perhaps we can get Shepherd’s Voice back together!! 🙂 Can you imagine singing for Jesus?! (Of course, I know there will be great demand for your musical ability!)
wow Happy Friendship Day to you too. Lovely post. Watch out for my blog post next Thursday. One of my points is about lifelong friends. I think you and I think alike! Happy weekend!
Thank you, Jean. I WILL watch for that post. Since I often find myself nodding in agreement with your blog reflections, I’d say you are right: we do think alike!
Nancy, I am so blessed to list you and Steve among my treasured “friends”. Hope you have a wonderful Friends Day. Love you both.
Thank you, Ruth! I, too, am very glad our paths crossed. ‘So enjoyed fellowshipping with you during our years at FUMCH. It was just too short, that’s all!
Nancy, A beautiful blog. You word it very well. You and Steve will always be special.
Bless You Janet
Thank you, Janet. You’ll always have a special place in my heart, because you truly lived out the qualities I’ve mentioned in this post–and more. You were a role model for me, a kind listener, wise advisor, generous and caring friend. That Precious Moment you gave me still graces a tabletop and makes me smile every time I dust her, because she reminds me of you! 🙂
Nancy, this is a timely post; I’m visiting friends this week that I’ve known for over 40 years. I praise God for the treasure they are. Thank you for the reminder about Friendship Day, my friend.
‘Tis a wonderful gift to enjoy long-term friendships, with all the shared history, experiences, and memories. May your upcoming visit be filled with fun reminiscing, lots of laughter, and warm heart-to-heart sharing, too. Happy Friendship to you, dear Jody!
oh i love this. I forgot about it. Need to connect with some very good friends! I also love the native American words. I have friends who have carried my sorrows and my joys.
Thank you, Carol. Isn’t that Native American word meaningful? I wish I knew which tribe it came from. To have friends who carry our sorrows and our joys are truly treasures, aren’t they?
I am just this evening reading this after a rough weekend with my Dad. One thing about Christian friends…you know that they lift you up in prayer even without asking because of the Holy Spirit ministering between our souls! Nancy, that is the kind of friend that you are to me! Next year will be 50 years that we have been friends. Hard to believe, right? One of my favorite memories is being in your wedding; I was so very thrilled, happy, and honored. And I am so thankful that we are still friends after all this time. I love everything about this post. HAPPY FRIENDSHIP DAY!
I’m so sorry you had a rough weekend. We continue to pray for wisdom and strength as you care for your parents. You are an inspiration for all who know you, demonstrating sacrificial love with grace. God bless you RICHLY, dear Cheri. As I said on your FB page, there’s much to be said for the golden friendships that span the decades!
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Thank you, Bruce!