Proverbs 18:24
A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. (ESV)
Proverbs 27:9
Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel. (ESV)Proverbs 27:17
As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend. (NKJV)
I missed a day, it was inevitable. But the reason for the missed day is the topic of this post. In 1987 I was married to my wonderful wife Daniella (21 years this February 23,) and in those early years of our marriage, we forged a friendship with another couple at our church, John and Jennifer Sagissor. They encouraged us in the faith, and John and I became fast friends.
I play chess with John on a fairly regular basis using a site called Queen Alice Internet Chess Club it’s a great blessing. They moved several times over the years, until they settled in Wisconsin. So we see them annually when they send a family Portrait at Christmas, that is except for John.
John works for a large piano Manufacturer and comes out for the NAMM conference every January, and while there have been a few years we could not meet, we have managed to succeed most years, including last night. Thus I was busy being sharpened and missed my deadline.
I realized this year John is my best friend. We pick up conversation like no time apart has been spent. We correct one another in Christ’s love, and most of all we share a deep passion for God, His Word, and living out loud, Christian music, and we love one another.
His wife has always been an inspiration and encouragement. She lives a life dedicated to God first and her family next. They are both a great blessing to me and my family.
I have known John for over 20 years. But for many of those years I called a high school friend my best friend, even when he disparaged my faith, and stopped returning calls, and even told me that I couldn’t openly share my faith at a party he was planning to reunite our groups of high school friends. A Party which he had without inviting me. He recently contacted me, and I realized as I spoke to him, I had nothing in common with him other we are both sinners.
This same friend used to yell at the top of his lungs, his love for God, and was notorious to telling you, “don’t litter Gods country!” if he saw you tossing litter. He contacted me recently returning a call months old left on his answering machine. He came over one evening and we talked about all the things we sued to talk about, but he avoided every attempt I made to move the conversation toward Christ, God and what that means in our lives today.
He called me three times a couple of weeks ago. He needed my contact information for an application he was completing for a law enforcement agency. I pray for him and his family. I realize now, he was never my best friend, only a sinner who like me needs Christ.
Christ is my true best friend. After him there is Daniella, who surprises me still with a kindness and tenderness I lack and desperately need. Then there is John, with whom I can share every struggle in my flesh, who never judges, and speaks as a true brother should, delivering challenge and rebuke when necessary. Thanks Brother!
Do you have a true friend in this life you have neglected?
Maybe you can elaborate on what friendship is-
May God grant you His peace and love as you consider your role in this life. Maybe you are the neglected friend. Be faithful, be patient, be true! The God of all creation knows your heart, and is accomplishing all His holy will.
Blessings!
