“True friends point us to the truth and remind us, most of all, how loved we are by God.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – October 2, 2024
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
My friend Greg is hiking the Appalachian Trail—all 2,190 miles. He is a segment hiker, meaning he is part of 90% of those who traverse the AT a portion at a time. For example, two years ago, during the fall season, he invited me to hike two segments across Virginia at a relatively even elevation. The beauty of the foliage was breathtaking, with the brilliant color of the leaves escorting us along each new adventurous trail. And the vistas were jaw-dropping as we gazed over God’s majestic mountainous masterpiece. Being a first-timer, Greg said I was lucky because of such favorable hiking conditions. He aptly gave me the trail name, “Lucky Stars!” I will confess that Greg’s presence pushed me forward on our daily 20-mile treks, as he knew where we were going and what to expect. I didn’t. My friend helped me persevere to finish well.
In his work Life Together, Dietrich Bonhoeffer emphasizes the importance of Christian community and mutual support. He viewed friendships as vital for spiritual growth and perseverance in faith, stating that Christians need one another to stay strong, just as the passage in Ecclesiastes says, “If either of them falls, one can help the other up.” Bonhoeffer applied this idea of helping another persevere, “The Christian needs another Christian who speaks God’s Word to him. He needs him again and again when he becomes uncertain and discouraged.” Indeed, the best friends are those who lovingly and repeatedly speak truth in love to a fatigued faith. True friends point us to the truth and remind us, most of all, how loved we are by God.
You need friends who help you persevere because life’s challenges on your own can be overwhelming. “Two are better than one” because they can help each other succeed and stand firm when one falls. Friends provide encouragement, strength, and accountability when your faith or resolve wavers. When trials come, godly friends lift you up in prayer, remind you of God’s promises, and offer their presence to carry you through. You weren’t meant to walk alone; God designed friendships as a means of support and grace. Surround yourself with friends who spur you toward perseverance in faith and life. You can keep going together, trusting that God is at work through your shared journey. Jesus sent the disciples in pairs to support each other.
Most importantly, helping your friends remain faithful and persevere through failures, suffering, and even successes starts with being present. Listen to their struggles with empathy, and offer words of encouragement rooted in Scripture. Pray for them regularly, lifting them up to the Lord and asking for His strength in their lives. When they fail or suffer, remind them of God’s faithfulness and grace, that His love never falters (Lamentations 3:22-23). Rejoice with them in their successes, reminding them that every good gift is from God (James 1:17). Be the friend who walks beside them, pointing them back to Jesus in every season. Your encouragement, prayer, and presence can be a helpful reminder of God’s constant support as they abide in Christ.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for the gift of friends who help me persevere. Help me be a faithful friend who offers encouragement, support, and love in times of need. Strengthen our bonds so we may lift each other up, sharing Your truth and walking together through every trial with faith. Amen.
Application
What friend needs extra grace and time from you in this season?
Related Reading
Job 2:11; Proverbs 17:17; Galatians 6:2; Hebrews 10:24-25
Worship Resource
Gateway Worship feat. Jessie Harris: The More I Seek You
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