CHECK ON YOUR FRIENDS!

 

Wednesday, January 21, 2026

 

CHECK ON YOUR FRIENDS!

 

Acts 15:36

36 And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do.

 

          Paul travelled the civilized world preaching and giving birth to churches along the way. He had made many enemies in the doing but also a treasure chest of dear friends. In this morning’s verse he enlists Barnabas to go with him to check on those churches and friends “to see how they do.”

 

          In this age of instant and oft times irritating communication, we still long to connect with our dear friends. I have lived long enough, like Paul, to have a treasure chest full of far-flung friends. If only I could gather them all together, what a wonderful time we would have.

 

          I was in an Apple Store some years ago, and I was immediately struck with two thoughts. The first was: “I suddenly feel old.” It was full of young people with skinny jeans and odd styles. The second thought was “none of these people are talking to each other! They are talking to their machines.” It is a paradox, but we get busy – too busy to maintain friendships in these days.

 

          Dr. Charles Stanley defines friends this way: “FRIENDS - People who accept you just as you are and love you too much to leave you that way.” Why not take the time today to check on some friends you have been too busy to talk to lately. It will cheer both of you.

 

Prov 27:9

9 Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel.

 

Dear Lord, how I love my far-flung friends. Bless and keep all of them. AMEN