October 21st, 2023
by Dr. Ron Harvey
by Dr. Ron Harvey
I want us to think about friendship. I suppose we all have friends. But is it possible that we underestimate the value of friendship?
I heard about a man who went to a psychiatrist because he was unhappy. The psychiatrist told him he needed friends, so he gave the assignment to get three new friends. He came back and said, “Ok, I did what you asked me to do—I got three new friends.” The psychiatrist asked, “How is it going then?” The man answered, “Terrible, I’m still unhappy and now I am stuck with three new friends!”
I have read experts in behavioral psychology who claim that only one in five has a real friend. It may very well be that there are some who would claim to have friends who really only have casual friends, but not actual friends. However, whether we realize it or not, we all need true friends. Charlie Brown, in a Peanuts cartoon strip, shared he was so desperate that he would settle for even a fair-weathered friend.
In scripture, we see the value of friendship. The Bible extols its virtue:
· “A friend sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24).
· “A friend loves at all times” (Proverbs 17:17).
· “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another” (Proverbs
27:17).
It is refreshing to hear the words of the Apostle Paul in Philippians as he expresses the value of his friends to his own life and ministry—
· Regarding the Philippians, “Therefore, my dear friends…I am glad
and rejoice with all of you” (Philippians 2:12, 17).
· Regarding Timothy, “I have no one else like him” (Philippians
2:20).
· Regarding Epaphroditus, “My brother, fellow worker, and fellow
soldier” (Philippians 2:25).
Paul knew the value of friends and we would be wise to think so as well. So do not forget the value of building friendships for a lifetime. Remember this: If you want a friend, then be a friend. More importantly, follow the example of your greatest friend. Jesus modeled how to live selflessly and sacrificially for those he called friends (John 15:15). Be like Him!
This Sunday, October 22, is Friend Day at FBC Pompano. Be a Friend & Invite a Friend! See you then!
Devotedly yours,
Pastor Ron
I heard about a man who went to a psychiatrist because he was unhappy. The psychiatrist told him he needed friends, so he gave the assignment to get three new friends. He came back and said, “Ok, I did what you asked me to do—I got three new friends.” The psychiatrist asked, “How is it going then?” The man answered, “Terrible, I’m still unhappy and now I am stuck with three new friends!”
I have read experts in behavioral psychology who claim that only one in five has a real friend. It may very well be that there are some who would claim to have friends who really only have casual friends, but not actual friends. However, whether we realize it or not, we all need true friends. Charlie Brown, in a Peanuts cartoon strip, shared he was so desperate that he would settle for even a fair-weathered friend.
In scripture, we see the value of friendship. The Bible extols its virtue:
· “A friend sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24).
· “A friend loves at all times” (Proverbs 17:17).
· “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another” (Proverbs
27:17).
It is refreshing to hear the words of the Apostle Paul in Philippians as he expresses the value of his friends to his own life and ministry—
· Regarding the Philippians, “Therefore, my dear friends…I am glad
and rejoice with all of you” (Philippians 2:12, 17).
· Regarding Timothy, “I have no one else like him” (Philippians
2:20).
· Regarding Epaphroditus, “My brother, fellow worker, and fellow
soldier” (Philippians 2:25).
Paul knew the value of friends and we would be wise to think so as well. So do not forget the value of building friendships for a lifetime. Remember this: If you want a friend, then be a friend. More importantly, follow the example of your greatest friend. Jesus modeled how to live selflessly and sacrificially for those he called friends (John 15:15). Be like Him!
This Sunday, October 22, is Friend Day at FBC Pompano. Be a Friend & Invite a Friend! See you then!
Devotedly yours,
Pastor Ron
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