“Philemon, your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people” (Phlm.1:6). “Rufus’ mother has been a mom to me too” (Rom.16:13). “Onesiphorus often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains” (2Tim.1:16). “Phoebe has blessed many people, including me” (Rom.16:1-2). “I have no one else like Timothy, who genuinely cares…” (Phil.2:20).
Heavenly Father, it’s one week from Thanksgiving Day, and to prime our “gratitude pump” we want to pause and thank you for the tapestry of friends you’ve woven into our stories and hearts. Of all the good gifts you give us, the best come wrapped in human flesh, beginning with the gift of your beloved Son, Jesus. Thank you, for sending Jesus to us and for us.
The Apostle Paul listed many friends for whom he was grateful—documenting their great kindness in your perfect Word. Help us remember our grace-friends as well, and express our appreciation to them. Their compassion-antenna and Spirit-sensitivity serve us in timely and uncanny ways. Their gift of encouragement is life-giving, heart-refreshing, and perspective-restoring.
Their honesty about their own struggles and weaknesses makes it easier for us to own ours. When we see them coming or see their name on caller-ID, we take the call, open the door, and open our hearts. Bless them, Father—multiply their tribe and make us more like them.
Their eye contact, listening, and kindness “preach” the Gospel to us more clearly than most pulpiteers. They always seem to know when to pursue us, and when to push in without being pushy. They’re good at saying a lot without using words, and staying present when we’re not necessarily in our “best form.” Father, thank you blessing us with such friends. So Very Amen.
