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“My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.) Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews among my co-workers for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me.  Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis.”  Colossians 4:10-13

I have a sweet spot in my heart for true stories, those that leave me feeling inspired to forge ahead with a renewed perspective on life.  One of my recent favorites is a documentary called “Seven Yards.”  It’s about a college freshman who suffered a devastating injury to his neck while playing football.  He was given a 3% chance of ever having movement below his neck, but he was determined to beat the odds.  He worked long hours each day to relearn simple movements that most of us take for granted, and slowly his work paid off.

A year after his accident, he decided to go back to college.  He was bound to a wheelchair and required around-the-clock assistance to accomplish daily tasks, but his mind was made up.  Instead of hiring someone to take care of him, his sister and his football teammates volunteered to be his caretakers.  They brushed his teeth, fed him, took him to class, carried him to bed, and were his hands and feet for almost every task.  His friends and family made huge sacrifices for him, and they did it with joy.

In Colossians 4:10-13, Paul closes his letter by mentioning four of his friends by name.  Aristarchus had joined Paul on three of his previous journeys and was present with Paul as he wrote this letter.  Mark, Barnabas’ cousin, was on Paul’s first journey and deserted him (see Acts 13:13), but by the writing of this letter their friendship had been restored.  Justus, along with Aristarchus and Mark, were the only Jews who labored with Paul, and they provided comfort to him.  Epaphras, one of the Colossians, was always wrestling in prayer for the Colossians.

In other words, Paul had a great group of friends!  They provided strength, help, and comfort for Paul as he journeyed through life.  They weren’t perfect, but they were perfect for him.  Oh, to have friends like that!  Friends who pray for us and encourage us.  Friends who cheer us on when we are at our best, and don’t give up on us when we are at our worst.  Friends who work through conflict when it arises.  Friends who bring us joy.

Good friends are one of God’s greatest gifts to us here on earth.  So, how do we build friendships worth having?  Proverbs 12:26 tells us to choose friends wisely.  Proverbs 17:17 states that good friends are loyal.  Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us to be intentional and encouraging in our friendships.  Romans 12:15 encourages us to laugh and cry with our friends.  John 15:12-13 tells us that friendships can sometimes require sacrifice.  Matthew 5:9 states that we should be peacemakers.

I’ve found that the best way to have a good friend is to be a good friend.  I encourage you to pick a few of the qualities above and focus on them this week.  Is there someone you can call today to let them know you are praying for them?  Do you know of someone in need of a meal or a helping hand?  Is there a friendship that needs reconciliation?   God has equipped us all with unique gifts, and your fellow believers (and non-believers!) are ready to be blessed all you have to offer.

“Lord, thank You for the gift of friendship.  May we take time each day to be intentional with our friends, and may we have open hearts to see the needs of those around us.”

For His Glory

Aubrey Carrales
TRBC Women’s Life