Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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The Value Of Friends

1 Samuel 20:12-17
Jonathan . . . loved [David] as he loved his own soul. (1 Sam 20:17)
John Chrysostom (347–407) was one of the great preachers in the early church. He was given the name Chrysostom, which means “golden-mouthed,” because of his eloquent sermons.
Here is one of his insights on the value of friends: “Such is friendship, that through it we love places and seasons; for as . . . flowers drop their sweet leaves on the ground around them, so friends impart favor even to the places where they dwell. With friends even poverty is pleasant. . . . It would be better for us that the sun were exhausted than that we should be without friends.”
The story of Jonathan and David illustrates the value of friendship. Though David was hunted by the demented King Saul, he drew encouragement from his friendship with Saul’s son. “Jonathan . . . loved [David] as he loved his own soul” (1 Sam. 20:17). Their relationship was characterized by trust, understanding, and encouragement. How difficult it would have been for David to endure this unjust persecution without the nourishment of friendship based in the Lord (v.42).
The ancient voice of Chrysostom and the witness of David and Jonathan are reminders of the need to nurture the friendships God has given us.
PRAYER
Since I have no gold to give, And love alone must make amends, My daily prayer is while I live— “God, make me worthy of my friends.”Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
A friend is the first person who comes in when the whole world has gone out.
Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church

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