Day 062 of 90 · Relationships
A Good Friend Cares for the Heart
12–15 minutes
Center · Stillness
Settle in
Put the phone down. Take one slow breath, and say: “God, I am here. Speak, I am listening.”
Read · The passage
Scripture
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
Proverbs 17:17, BSB
Learn · Reflection
Reflection
Good friendships help take care of the heart. They don't have to be perfect to offer support, company and encouragement. God can use people to show you that you are not alone. He can also teach you to be someone who listens, who stays close and who loves sincerely.
Naty had had a hard day at school. She was sad and discouraged, even though she was trying to hide it so that nobody would notice.
At lunchtime, a friend sat down beside her and quickly noticed that something was wrong. Instead of ignoring the situation, she decided to listen patiently and stay right there with her.
She didn't have answers for everything Naty was feeling. Even so, simply being there made a big difference.
Sometimes we think a good friendship is only about having fun together. But healthy friendships also know how to listen, to stay close and to care for another person's heart in hard moments.
God can use people to bring encouragement, comfort and support into our lives. He can also teach us to be that kind of friend for others.
The most valuable friendships are not always the most popular ones. Very often they are the ones that bring peace, safety and genuine love.
Talk · Conversation
Talk about it
When has someone sat down beside you and simply listened, and what did that change inside you?
Thank · Gratitude
Give thanks
Today I thank God for the friend who stayed close to me even without having all the answers.
Ask · Prayer
Pray together
God, thank you for the people who care for my heart. Teach me to listen to someone today without rushing and without judging.
Begin · Application
Carry it into the day
Today notice someone who seems to be hiding a sadness, and go sit beside that person.
Scripture quoted from the Berean Standard Bible. Public domain (CC0)