Jesus, Our Constant Friend — And the Friends He Gives Us

This week, I’d like to share a personal reflection on receiving unexpected news, the kind that stops you in your tracks and brings a deeper emotional response than usual.

Just a few days ago, I learned that a close friend had been diagnosed with advanced cancer. The news hit hard. For a moment, everything stopped. I had to collect my thoughts before I could carry on with what I was doing.

It made me reflect and ask myself: When was the last time I reached out to this friend?     It’s a good question for all of us. Who are the friends we may have lost touch with? Are there relationships we’ve taken for granted, or might need to rekindle?

What made the news especially difficult was the deep friendship we’ve shared over the years. We used to attend the same church and youth group. We played touch rugby together. He was my doctor for many years. Our families were close — our children are the same age, and we shared many mutual friends from our early years of marriage. Though life eventually led us down different paths, the bond we formed in our younger days remained strong.

Having friends is a gift, but keeping and nurturing those friendships is even more important. It takes intentional effort, honesty, and care.

Christian friendships are among the greatest blessings from God. Donald W. McCullough, in his book Mastering Personal Growth, writes:

“When we consider the blessings of God, the gifts that add beauty and joy to our lives, that enable us to keep going through stretches of boredom and even suffering, friendship is very near the top.”

Here are some scriptures to reflect on about friendship:

• “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” — Proverbs 27:17
• “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:11
• “Bear with each other and forgive one another… if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” — Colossians 3:13
• “If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” — Ecclesiastes 4:10
• “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” — John 15:12-13

While friendships are one of God’s greatest blessings, they’re also not without challenges. Friends can be a great support in times of need — they encourage, comfort, and walk with us through life. But sometimes, they can also let us down. This can happen through distance, time, misunderstandings, or differing perspectives.

Human friendships, though meaningful, can come and go. But isn’t it wonderful to know that Jesus is a friend who never leaves us? He remains constant, faithful, and near, even when others drift away. He is always there to listen, comfort, and guide.

In John 15:15 Jesus says: “I no longer call you servants… Instead, I have called you friends”.

Jesus is the friend who knows us completely, loves us deeply, and stays with us always. In every season, in joy and sorrow, in closeness and isolation, He is there.

This week, perhaps there’s a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while. Why not send them a message, make a call, or invite them for a coffee? Making friends takes effort, and keeping friendships alive is something worth treasuring, it reflects the love of Christ.