We were created by God to have a relationship with Him and with others. The Bible clearly states that we have a need for strong and healthy relationships, and in Ecclesiastes Solomon writes about some of the wonderful benefits of having meaningful relationships with others.
Solomon writes about three particular areas that you will be blessed by friends.
First, a friend will help you up after you have fallen. Of course, this could be figurative, as a friend can help you to recover and “get back on your feet.”
Second, when it’s cold a loved one close by can help keep you warm.
Third, when you face danger in your life, a friend will help to defend you.
These three examples speak to us of problems we cause ourselves, hardships produced by natural forces over which we have no control, and danger that comes from the bad choices or actions of others. Quite honestly, I can’t think of any type of problem that doesn’t fall into one of these three categories.
As Solomon points out, regardless of the type of problem, a true friend or companion will be there to help during the struggle. Interestingly, after writing about these wonderful benefits, he says three are better than two!
Be proactive in finding friends and developing strong, healthy relationships. Your church is probably a great place to make some new friends. If you have been hurt by relationships in your past, don’t let that keep you from working towards better relationships now. True friendship is a gift from God, so do not miss out on the benefits.
Lord, I thank you for the amazing friends that have blessed my life. Thank you for the many things that they do for me and for how they show their love. I hope and pray that I can be as good a friend to them.
Dr. Ann Shorb is a counselor with CCES in southern PA. CCES offers Marriage Counseling, Pre Marital Counseling, and help for a number of other issues.
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