Make a Friend. Be a Friend.

Today, February 11th is “Make a Friend Day” according to “Your Ultimate Guide to 2025 Wacky, Fun and Weird Holidays”

Their website observes that “Making new friends can help people broaden their horizons and learn about different cultures and parts of the society. Research has shown that people with diverse group of friends are more tolerant, open to new ideas, and empathetic than people who have a small or a non-diverse group of friends.”

“Make a Friend Day” encourages us to say “hello” to people, introduce yourself to a neighbor, engage in volunteer work, or sign up for a class with people with common interests.

Friendship are a natural and important part of life. God created us for community. To engage in social interactive. And enjoy spiritual fellowship. The Bible says a good deal about friends and friendship

Job 6:14
“Anyone who withholds kindness from a friend forsakes the fear of the Almighty.”

Proverbs 18:24
“One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

Proverbs 27:9
“Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.”

The Preacher speaks of the kind of friends we need in Ecclesiastes. 4:9-12.

Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up. Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; but how can one be warm alone? Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

Notice what the wise man says about the value of a real friend.

(1) A Real Friend Helps You when You’re Down.

How can you tell the between friends and acquaintances? That’s easy. Just get into trouble and see who is still around! You can call them at 2 a.m. and they don’t question you to decide if they are coming, they just say, “Where are you?” Yes, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity” (Prov. 17:17)

(2) A Real Friend Provides Emotional or Physical Warmth in a Cold World.

Sometimes we take a passage so literally that we miss the point. This is not just about keeping someone warm physically. I think it applies emotionally. There are situations that leaves our emotional gas gauge on empty. This is a time we need friends to provide warmth, comfort, and consolation.

(3) A Real Friend Will Fight to Protect You

That passage was written based on the military strategy of the ancient world. Almost all combat was hand to hand. Soldiers went into battle with a partner, someone who could be counted on and trusted. They stood back to back and fought any enemy that came from the side. True friends never stab you in the back, but they guard your back. A real friend will protect your reputation. A loyal friend will stand up for you.

(4) A Real Friend is Committed to Helping You Grow.

Another trait of a friend is found in Prov. 27:17. “As iron sharpens iron, a friend sharpens a friend.” True friends want to see their friends improve, grow and get better. A person who is jealous or resentful of your growth is not a true friend. Author John Maxwell uses the expression “bringing something to the table” as it applies to relationships. What value are your friends adding to your life? Are they helping you? Or hurting you? Do they encourage your growth? Or delight in your decline?

Of course, is it fair for each of us to ask ourselves, What value am I adding to my friendships? What ideas am I sharing? What help am I providing? The old adage is true: “To have a friend you must be a friend.”

Make a friend. Be a Friend. And be grateful for your friends. Real friends. True friends. Loyal friends.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman