Friends of Intentionality:
When my family went through a rough patch in ministry, the way people treated us stood out. Most were kind and encouraging, some were hurtful and dismissive, but then there were a few, a precious few, who were what I call "friends of intentionality". These friends didn’t just offer a quick word or a passing prayer; they stepped into our pain, walked with us through the struggle, and showed us Christ’s love in tangible, personal ways.
Intentional Friendship in the Bible
When I think about intentional friendships, a few examples from Scripture come to mind:
1 Jonathan and David
Jonathan’s friendship with David was deeply intentional. When David’s life was threatened by King Saul, Jonathan didn’t back away or keep his distance. He actively protected David, even risking his own relationship with his father (1 Samuel 18:1-4). Jonathan’s love wasn’t passive; it was deliberate and sacrificial.
Isn’t that the kind of friend we all long for? Someone who will step in during our darkest moments, not just with words but with action?
2. Ruth and Naomi
Ruth had every reason to leave Naomi after her husband’s death, but she didn’t. Instead, Ruth clung to her, declaring, “Where you go, I will go” (Ruth 1:16). Ruth’s friendship was intentional and unwavering. She didn’t just offer comfort; she stayed, worked, and sacrificed to ensure Naomi wasn’t alone.
That’s what friends of intentionality do, they stay. They don’t run from the messiness of life; they step into it with you.
3. Jesus and His Disciples
Jesus gave us the ultimate example of intentional friendship. He spent time with His disciples, teaching, encouraging, and even serving them. He said, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13). His love wasn’t abstract; it was deeply personal and costly.
What Does It Mean to Be a Friend of Intentionality?
A friend of intentionality is someone who chooses to love you on purpose, not just when it’s easy or convenient. Here’s what they do:
- They show up. Whether it’s a text, a visit, or sitting with you in silence, their presence reminds you that you’re not alone.
- They listen. They don’t rush to fix things or offer clichés. Instead, they listen with compassion and make you feel heard.
- They act. Their love is visible in their actions, bringing meals, helping with practical needs, or praying with you when you’re too weary to pray yourself.
- They are honest. In love they tell you what you need to hear not just what you want to hear.
If you’ve had friends like this, you know how much their love can mean in difficult times. Thank God for them, and don’t hesitate to let them know how much their intentional kindness has impacted your life. They are a reflection of God’s grace and a reminder that He provides exactly what we need, even in the hardest seasons.
And if you haven’t had friends like this, ask God to bring them into your life. At the same time, look for opportunities to *be* that kind of friend to someone else. We all have the chance to be intentional in our friendships, showing others the same steadfast love that God shows us.
In the end, intentional friends are a gift from God—a reminder that we’re never alone, no matter how tough the journey becomes. Hold onto those friendships, nurture them, and let them inspire you to live out your faith in love and action.
