LENT 40 days – Day 34
Scripture reading: “This is my commandment: You must love one another, just as I have loved you.” John 15:12
Lent, time for reflection on the value of friendship and the quality of relationships in our lives. There is a big difference between acquaintances and friends. Acquaintances are people we know, with whom we come into contact, such as some classmates, colleagues, and neighbours. But friends… that’s another story. True friends are rare and enrich our lives. They are not just people we know, but people with whom we share a special bond. Who would you get up at 3am for some minor emergency…
The old saying goes: “In times of need you get to know your friends.” True friends stand up for each other, even in difficult times, and will never let each other down. To literally and figuratively have everything left for each other. This principle is confirmed by Jesus when He says: “No one has greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” This love requires sacrifice and self-denial.
Jesus didn’t just speak these words, He also lived them. The night before He died on the cross, He offered His life for His friends, His followers. This is an example of unconditional love and friendship that we can still emulate today.
Prayer: Dear God, we thank You for the friends You have given in our lives. Help us to show love and devotion to each other, as You love us by example. May we bless and cherish our friends, and may our friendships be a reflection of Your unconditional love for us. Amen.
Reflection questions:
- How do you distinguish between acquaintances and true friends in your own life?
- In what ways can you be a friend who is willing to sacrifice for another?
- How can we apply Jesus’ example of friendship and self-sacrifice in our own relationships with others?