From the Manse: A Thought for the Week
The Gift of Friendship
Sunday 6th September 2026
Dear friend,
There are many things in life we can manage on our own, but none of us is
really meant to walk through life alone. And that is why one of God's great
gifts to us is the gift of friendship. Friendship comes in many forms. Some
friendships last a lifetime; others belong to a particular season of our lives.
Some friends live nearby, while others may be many miles away. Yet the
best friendships have something in common – they bring joy,
encouragement and a sense that we belong.
The Bible gives us some beautiful examples of friendship. One of the most
moving is the friendship between David and Jonathan. Their friendship was tested by difficult circumstances, jealousy and danger, yet Jonathan
remained loyal to David. He encouraged him, protected him and put his
friend's wellbeing before his own interests and even above the bond of
father and son. Their story reminds us that a true friend is someone who
stands beside us, not only when life is easy, but when life becomes difficult
too.
We see friendship too in the life of Jesus and his disciples. Jesus called
them to follow him, but they became much more than simply his followers.
They travelled together, shared meals, talked, argued, laughed and learned
together. They experienced the highs and lows of ministry side by side.
Jesus knew their gifts and their strengths, but he also knew their
weaknesses and their failures, and no matter what, through the good and
the bad he continued to love them.
Perhaps that is what makes friendship such a precious gift. A real friend
knows us as we really are – not simply the person we try to show to the
world – and still chooses to walk beside us. We all need people who will
celebrate with us when life is good and support us when life is difficult.
Sometimes friendship is as simple as a cup of coffee, a phone call, a walk
together or a text message saying, “I was thinking about you.” These
ordinary things can make a remarkable difference.
This is something we can see at its best within the life of the Church. You
see Church is not simply about coming together for worship; it is about becoming a community where people know that they are welcomed, valued and cared for. Remember there may be someone sitting beside us on a Sunday who feels lonely. There may be someone who comes through our church doors quietly hoping that they might find somewhere to belong.
There may be someone who pops into your home or who you meet on the
street who needs to know that they are not alone. Sometimes the greatest
gift we can offer is simply friendship – a smile, a conversation, an invitation
to sit with us, or a cup of tea afterwards.
As we think about friendship this week, perhaps we can give thanks for the
people God has placed in our lives. Think of those who have made you
laugh, encouraged you, challenged you, supported you and stood beside
you when you needed them most. And perhaps there is someone we
haven't spoken to for a while. Why not pick up the phone or invite them for
coffee? For friendship is not simply something we receive; it is something
we give.
Jesus reminds us that love is at the heart of our relationships with one another. When we offer friendship, kindness and companionship, we reflect something of God's own love – a love that comes alongside us and walks with us. May we never take the gift of friendship for granted.
May we be grateful for our friends, faithful to those who need us, and
always ready to make room at the table for someone who is looking for a
place to belong.
“A friend loves at all times.” - Proverbs 17:17
With every blessing,
Rev Jade