June 2

Then Jonathan said to David, “Whatever you desire, I will do for you.” — 1 Sam 20:4 BSB

Friendship is a powerful and helpful force in our lives. We often don’t realize the impact our friends have on us. They are advocates, speaking on our behalf to others, defending us when falsehoods are spoken about us. As I sit to write this, I have just had the opportunity to clear up a misunderstanding about a friend to someone who had heard false rumors, at least removing the false impression from one person’s mind. None of us know how much of our success is due to the loyal words of our friends.

Friends also help us in our personal lives. A pure-hearted friend constantly leaves impressions of goodness and beauty on our character. From them, we receive good thoughts, wholesome influences, and continual inspiration. Longfellow spoke of finding a song breathed in the air, and long after discovering it in the heart of a friend. In the same way, the sweet songs, good words, and holy influences of friendship continually shape us.

Friends also help us through the kindness they show as we walk through life together. A true friend is unselfish, thoughtful, and always ready to help in any way possible. Friendship especially proves its worth in times of trouble: “A friend is born for adversity.”