One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24 NIV
What’s the longest running friendship in your life?
Their friendship began when they were just eight years old. Sharon and Joyce were fun-loving and adventurous. At 15, the two ran away together to the big city, only to call one of their fathers to come get them when things didn’t go as planned. Their friendship would last 83 years. Each woman was a picture of what the Bible calls “a friend who sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24 NIV).
But even the closest friendships can be tested by the mistakes we make and the changes that life brings. Long friendships aren’t necessarily friendships without hurt. Sometimes they’re friendships where forgiveness allows the relationship to survive the hurt.
Seth and Ryan had been friends from birth. When they reached adulthood, it was revealed that Ryan had been abused by his father. Seth didn’t know what to do or say, so he pulled away. Years passed until the men reconnected. “I am so sorry I turned away from you,” Seth told Ryan. “I had no idea what to do with what happened to you. Can you please forgive me?” Ryan listened and forgave Seth without hesitation. Their friendship was restored, even after years of silence.
The Bible book of Ephesians says, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32 NIV). The kind of forgiveness that we receive from Jesus is what brought Seth and Ryan back together. It’s what restores broken human relationships and grows friendships that last.
What’s the longest running friendship in your life? Is there a fractured friendship that comes to mind? Ask God for the courage to reach back out, so forgiveness can flow and your friendship can flourish once again.
