There is something about the gift of friendship. As I write this devotion, I think of the many friends I have had in my life. I think of the many men of God who have encouraged me and who have taken the time to lift me up in prayer. I am grateful for the prayer partner that God has placed in my life. We can pray every day and share each other’s concerns without judgment. I am grateful to be able feel a sense of
bonding and confidentiality. Both of us have come closer to God because of our bonding together. We pray for family, as well as for the concerns of the house of God. We have discovered that we have so much in common that we are able to relate to one another easily. We find ourselves giving God praise even during times when we were somewhat discouraged. That’s because we both knew that God was always with us. In Proverbs 27:17, we find these words:

“As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.”

The writer speaks about the gifts of friendship, explaining how a friend can be a blessing as well as an encourager. The gift of friendship is a blessing. The relationship may start out as an acquaintanceship; however, it may cultivate itself into something that is truly a gift from God. Prayerfully, you have each experienced the blessing of having a friend, and you can join with me in thanking God for the gift of friendship!