"An Odd Couple"
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You never know where you'll find a good friend. Like classic TV's Felix and Oscar, Pixar's Woody and Buzz, or Scripture's David and Jonathan, sometimes we find ourselves in an Odd Couple, a surprising friendship that somehow works. We don't measure friendships by what we have in common but by faithfulness, fondness, and memories. Our victories mean more; our misfortunes a little less when shared (Rom. 12:15). God gives many gifts, but few more precious than the people who care about us. Those bonds are worth strengthening.
The Big Idea
Through consistent acts of loyal love, we stockpile trust that friends draw on for a lifetime. We invest in friendships like money in the bank; the currency is kindness. As Paulo Coelho said, "friendship isn't a big thing — it's a million little things." Brick by brick, we build lasting bonds by being available, discrete, and willing to listen. If you want friendship, you act like a friend. Imitate Timothy's genuine concern (Phil. 2:20-21) and Ruth's devotion (Ruth 1:5-19). "But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up" (Eccl. 4:10).
Quality beats quantity every time in friendship — better one reliable friend than hundreds who disappear when you need them (Prov. 18:24). A friend "loves at all times;" they're built for "adversity" (Prov. 17:17). They know "the real you" and love you anyway. So their "earnest counsel" tastes sweeter (Prov. 27:9), and even their "wounds" are "faithful" (Prov. 27:6).
You have the makings of a "soul-knit" friend (1 Sam. 18:1) when someone, like Jonathan, strengthens your hands in God (1 Sam. 23:16-17). Friends care about more than your happiness (1 Cor. 13:6)! They "pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul" (3 John 2).
Jesus wants friendship with us (John 15:13-15), like God's faithful friends before us (James 2:23; Ex. 33:11; Job 29:4). So, friendship, like many of the greatest gifts, can last forever.
The Big Question
Who in your life needs encouragement and connection?
