Out of the WildernessSample

CLOSER THAN A SISTER

On the night he was betrayed, Jesus said, “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:12-13). These words remind us of the importance of nurturing and valuing true friendships, which provide support, loyalty, and love, often surpassing even familial bonds.

It was Ari’s birthday, November 9, when I (Ang) saw her in the corner of the studio where we were doing a bridal shoot. We were strangers who should have simply crossed paths and never seen each other again, but God clearly had a bigger plan for this moment.

Sweet Ari was weeping in her hands, trying to hide the fact that she was upset. It was as if the Holy Spirit gave me a glimpse into the fu­ture, because as I sat down next to Ari and took her hand, I said, “I don’t know who you are, but we’re going to get through this together.” And that’s exactly what we would do.

Proverbs 18:24 says, “There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” It could certainly say “sister” too.

Ari and I have spent the last few years going to war for each other in prayer, covering each other and fighting for each other in the Spirit. We are committed to maintaining the health of our friendship, and we love each other dearly, deeply, and purely.

From our friendship’s begin­ning till now, there has never been a moment of competition, jealousy, or comparison, which is the work of the Spirit in us. We love each other so much that we want to see the other as better than ourselves.

I hope you have a friendship such as we have. If not, pray about it.

Dear Jesus, I come before you with the desire to find my best friend, a kindhearted spirit who sees me and accepts me the way you do. Help me, Lord, also to be a friend who reflects your love, grace, and kindness. Amen.

We hope you are encouraged by this reading plan. To learn more about OUT OF THE WILDERNESS by Angela Halili and Arielle Reitsma click here.