What makes a friend and his or her friendship so sweet? You know the kind of friend of whom I refer. When you talk with this friend, there is something sweet about it, refreshing, and heartwarming. Time nor space tend to lessen the passion of the friendship. Within moments of being around each other, it is as if time and space disappear. If you see this person every day, there is immediate connection each time – even on the worst of days. This is the kind of person you miss when he or she is not around.
You know the friend. Possibly your mind is flooded with those individuals in your life and life story that fit the bill. Possibly, it is your spouse. It may be others. But regardless, your relationship with this person emanates the best a friendship has to offer.
As a Christ-follower, what is it that makes that possible? Further, what promotes those kinds of friends?
The “Sweetness” of Friendship
John helps us understand what makes this type of friendship so important and possible in His letter:
4 And these things we write to you that your joy may be full. …
7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. (1 John 1:4-7)
John identifies the key component that highlights the joy of friendship between two or more Christ-followers. This component keeps friendships fresh, sweet, and desirable. This is the element that draws you toward the person, erases time and space, and produces joy. The element: fellowship.
Fellowship develops desire and produces joy.
Walking with Jesus together with your friend produces the joy, the sweetness, and the immediate connection day after day. The joy of Christ, alongside the blessings, benefits, smiles, and encouragement of others, produces what cannot be duplicated otherwise. This kind of friendship is deep and shallow, sweet and playful, full of care and concern, and joyful.
Why? Because of the relationship with Christ. How is your relationship with Christ affecting your relationships with others today?
