Sacred Bonds: A Journey into Lifelong Friendship

There's something truly special about good friends, isn't there?

A friend from our current church once gifted us a decorative block that said, "Friends are the family you choose." My wife recently echoed a similar sentiment about our oldest friends.

Family is good and it is important, but you don’t choose your family. You have no control over who your parents, siblings, cousins, etc. are, but you can choose your friends.

There is something powerful about this concept of choosing friends who actually choose you back.

Mini-College Reunion

This past weekend, I had the chance to reconnect with two guys that I have known for almost two decades. It is crazy to think that I am now at the point where I can say “we’ve been friends for 20 years.”

Over the years, we've shared countless memories – college experiences, weddings, the birth of children, and even the loss of a mutual friend.

Despite living in different locations – one in DC, one in New Jersey, and myself in Central VA – our bond remains strong.

What a great day we had this past weekend.

We met at the campus walking around reminiscing about old times and old friends. We also took in the new sights since we graduated: new residence halls, new classroom buildings, new fields, etc.

We went to dinner together catching up on current events in our lives, families, and jobs. One time we were laughing so hard that I am sure our waitress was wondering what was “wrong with us”.

It was so great seeing them again. After almost 5 hours together we departed and headed our separate ways.

What does the Bible have to say about this?

There are a lot of verses about friendship out there, but one that seems appropriate here is from Proverbs 12:26, “The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.”

This verse reminds us that it is God’s desire for us to have friends, but we do need to be careful about who we allow into our inner circle.

Jesus had 12 disciples that he was super close with, but three of them were in an even deeper relationship with Him. Still, only one He called “beloved.”

So what?

In a world where we seek attention and approval from “friends” and followers online, it is interesting that statistics show that people are lonelier now than ever before. Schools have witnessed a decline in interpersonal skills, with communication often relegated to mobile devices.

This proverb serves as a reminder to find the right friends. While being friendly to everyone is commendable, there's something sacred about the friends you choose, and who, in turn, choose you.

Consider this: In a world where we seek approval, Jesus chose us despite our flaws, rebellion, and stubbornness. His sacrifice on the cross, resurrection, and ascension into heaven demonstrate His choice.

Have you chosen Him back?

He did it for us. He chose us. His desire is for us to choose Him back.

So, have you? If not, what is holding you back today? If you have, does He know it? How does He know it?

Friendship is a treasure we need to protect, honor, and cherish. Let’s make the right choices here on Earth and in our eternal friendship with our Savior.

Anyway, I was just thinking…