Table Talkনমুনা

The Gift of Friendship

Who are the people who really know you? The ones who celebrate your wins, sit with you in your lows, and point you back to God?

Friendship is one of God’s greatest gifts, yet in today’s world, it can often feel overlooked. In John 15:12–15, Jesus tells his disciples that he has called them friends because everything he learned from the Father he has made known to them (NIV). Imagine that—the Son of God calling us his friends. He gives us a model of what true friendship looks like: love, sacrifice, honesty, and commitment.

Throughout history, friendship has been seen as a treasure. Writers like Aristotle and Cicero described it as one of life’s highest virtues. But in our modern world, friendship is often treated as optional or secondary to family, work, and personal success. No wonder loneliness has become such a pressing issue. A recent report in New South Wales found that almost half of the people experience loneliness regularly.

The Bible reminds us that we were created for community. From the very beginning, God said it was not good for us to be alone. Friendship is part of his design. The challenge for us is not just finding good friends, but learning how to be good friends ourselves. Proverbs 27:9 teaches that the sweetness of a friend comes from earnest counsel (NIV). A true friend isn’t just someone who makes us feel good, but someone who speaks wisdom and truth into our lives.

Jesus modelled this kind of friendship. He didn’t keep everyone at the same distance—he had many followers, but he also had a smaller circle of close friends like Peter, James, and John. With them, he laughed, wept, prayed, and even challenged. His life shows us that friendship is not shallow, but deeply intentional.

So as we begin this week, let’s ask ourselves: Am I being the kind of friend who reflects Christ? Do I bring encouragement, honesty, and love into the lives of those around me?

Reach out to a friend this week with encouragement. Let them know what you value about them and how they point you closer to Christ.