“Out of the furnaces of war come many true stories of sacrificial friendship. One such story tells of two friends in World War I, who were inseparable. They had enlisted together, trained together, were shipped overseas together, and fought side-by-side in the trenches. During an attack, one of the men was critically wounded in a field filled with barbed wire obstacles, and he was unable to crawl back to his foxhole. The entire area was under a withering enemy crossfire, and it was suicidal to try to reach him. Yet his friend decided to try. Before he could get out of his own trench, the sergeant yanked him back inside and ordered him not to go. 'It’s too late. You can’t do him any good and you’ll only get yourself killed.'

One of the true marks of a friend is that he is there when there is every reason for him not to be, when to be there is sacrificially costly.”²

What a beautiful story of friendship. One might think that this type of friendship is close to impossible to come by, and these days it might be a little harder as our society becomes more focused on self than others. However, this is the friendship that Jesus offers us every day! He gave His life on the cross and offers His gift of true and meaningful friendship to each of us. All we must do is accept it. Once we experience Christ in our lives and enjoy a personal relationship with Him, we can then be this type of friend to others. A friend who is there in the good times, but even more so in the difficult times. Our world needs more examples of selflessness and sacrificial friendship that doesn’t seek its own well-being, but seeks to bless others instead. Let the example start with us.

Suggested prayer: Dear God, thank you for being my friend in all times. You love me unconditionally and accept me just as I am. However, you also love me so much that you want me to grow and reach the potential you have for me, so you challenge me to take steps in courage and faith. What’s even better is that you walk with me every step of the way. I never have to worry about being alone because you are a true friend who is with me always. Allow me to follow your example and be this type of friend to others as well. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus’ name, amen.

1. John 15:13 (NIV).

2. www.sermoncentral.com

Today's Encounter was written by: Crystal B.