Friends.
I don’t know what I’d do without them.
Seriously.
God has richly blessed me with some amazing, real, fill-my-heart-with-joy kind of friends.
“I have learned that to have a good friend is the purest of all God’s gifts, for it is a love that has no exchange of payment.” – Frances Farmer
I would be remiss if I didn’t devote at least one day (Day 29!) of this 31 Days of Loving God & Loving Others to the love found in friendships.
A friend loves at all times. -Proverbs 17:17
Yes, they do.
I believe the friends God places is our lives are tangible ways He shows us love.
I have seen how He has placed them for specific times at specific points in my life, and I’ve seen how He seems pour out His love to me through my friends. Time and time again.
I couldn’t be more thankful for them today.
“It occurred to me very early in life that my friends were an invaluable expression of God’s love. They were there for my first broken heart…the loss of my favorite pet…and the disappointment of having no date for the prom. I discovered how much I needed them–and I knew that the hugs, smiles, understanding, and support were all part of His care.” – Anonymous
I was telling someone just the other day of how I have met such amazing people through the blog and writing world, just within the last nine months. They continually encourage me, lift me up, inspire me, prompt me, and love me. And the cool things is… I haven’t met a one of them in person. Not one.
I find that nothing short of amazing.
The love of a friend.
As we continue on this journey of loving others, what are some tangible ways we can love our friends?.Any ideas? I’d love to read them. Would you share them below?
Sending texts to encourage, or a card in the mail. Make a phone call to catch up on each other’s lives. Let them know you believe in them and their dreams. And pray. We can pray for our friends. That’s one of the most important things we can do.
“It is easier to believe in yourself when you have a friend beside you saying, ‘I believe in you, too.’” -Anonymous
“A friend believes in your dreams and cheers the loudest when they come true.” -Anonymous
Let’s each find some way to let our dear friends know how much they mean to us today. And show them love.
Thank God for the gifts He’s given you in them!
Blessings, dear friends! You mean the world to me!
Ask a friend how they are doing. And then, Really. Listen. That is my way of loving.
Julie, your series (both actually) have been great. So inspiring and encouraging. Keep up the great work!
Great way to show love to friends, Kim! Thank you for sharing this. Really listen is the key for me. So important! Thank you for your encouragement, friend. Your words are gifts to me today! Thank you, thank you! God bless you!
I do love this, Julie. And this says it all perfectly, “I believe the friends God places is our lives are tangible ways He shows us love.” That is some great insight and some great truth!! It really is amazing to me, as well, how I have made such awesome new friendships in this online world. Including yours! You are a delight and I treasure you. <3
Awww, Meredith. I treasure you too! You are one of those dear friends of mine. So thankful how God has blessed me in this way. Thank you for hosting the Woman2Woman link up. It’s always a joy to pop over and be a part of what you’re doing at your place. Keep going, friend. You are making a difference!
I find prayer the easiest way to reach out to support my friends (and I’m working on letting them know that I’ve prayed for them–because, ya, know, just knowing that someone cares enough to lift you up in prayer is pretty special!). I’m not a phone talker, so I love texting and good old fashioned letter writing :).
What a great way to support and love your friends, Anita! And letting them know you’re praying for them makes it even more special. Love it! Thanks you for coming by and for sharing. Love to have you here, friend! Blessings!
I am glad to have “met” you this year! 🙂 blog friends are an incredible support.
My best friend lives in my neighborhood, and we have helped each other with our kids so many times. She is my village, my sister mom. Ha!
I’m glad I have “met” you too, Sarah! What a blessing you are! And I love your place. How wonderful it is your best friend and you live so close to each other! It’s good to have a village and a sister mom. What a gift! Thank you for stopping by and for sharing. Have a beautiful week!