10 Benefits of Friends

So I was thinking about my friends and how much I cherish each one of them. Though I love them and thank God for them, I haven’t spent much time with them lately. It’s so easy for me to stay indoors, not talk to anyone, and be a loner. To be and have a friend takes time, effort, and risks. But, oh, the benefits! Here are ten:

Encouragement

So cheer each other up with the hope you have. Build each other up. (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

Let us not give up meeting together. Some are in the habit of doing this. Instead, let us cheer each other up with words of hope. Let us do it all the more as you see the day coming when Christ will return. (Hebrews 10:25)

Help

So Joshua fought against the Amalekites, just as Moses had ordered. Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. As long as Moses held his hands up, the Israelites were winning. But every time he lowered his hands, the Amalekites began to win. When Moses’ arms got tired, Aaron and Hur got a stone and put it under him. Then he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up. Aaron was on one side, and Hur was on the other. Moses’ hands remained steady until sunset. So Joshua destroyed the Amalekite army with swords. (Exodus 17:10-13)

Suppose someone falls down. Then his friend can help him up. But suppose the man who falls down doesn’t have anyone to help him up. Then feel sorry for him! (Ecclesiastes 4:10)

Teammate

Two people are better than one. They can help each other in everything they do. (Ecclesiastes 4:9)

Compassion

Or suppose two people lie down together. Then they’ll keep warm. But how can one person keep warm alone? (Ecclesiastes 4:11)

Fight for and defend each other

One person could be overpowered. But two people can stand up for themselves. And a rope made out of three cords isn’t easily broken. (Ecclesiastes 4:12)

Unconditional Love

A friend loves at all times. He is there to help when trouble comes. (Proverbs 17:17)

Loyalty

Don’t desert your friend or your father’s friend. And don’t go to your family when trouble strikes you. A neighbor nearby is better than a family member far away. (Proverbs 27:10)
 

Saul told his son Jonathan and all of the attendants to kill David. But Jonathan liked David very much. So Jonathan warned him, “My father Saul is looking for a chance to kill you. Be very careful tomorrow morning. Find a place to hide and stay there. My father and I will come and stand in the field where you are hiding. I’ll speak to him about you. Then I’ll tell you what I find out.” (1 Samuel 19:1-3)

Sacrifice

Jonathan took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David. He also gave him his military clothes. He even gave him his sword, his bow and his belt. (1 Samuel 18:4)
 
 
 

Prayer partners

Again, here is what I tell you. Suppose two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for. My Father in heaven will do it for you. Where two or three people meet together in my name, I am there with them. (Matthew 18:19-20)

They all came together regularly to pray. The women joined them too. So did Jesus’ mother Mary and his brothers. (Acts 1:14)

Sharing life together

The believers studied what the apostles taught. They shared life together. They broke bread and ate together. And they prayed. (Acts 2:42)

 
 
 
After reading this, I missing some of my friends even more. I think I’ll give them a call. How about you?

Come alongside… Which one of these benefits resonates with you most? Which one are you needing most right now? What can you do about it? Which friend can you reach out to and how? Would you share any other benefits of being and having friends? Would you consider passing this blog post to your family and friends?