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Jesus preaching to a group of talented people and telling what is the meaning of a parable talents

October 12 2020

What the Parable of the Talents Mean For Us

Someone making an offering at the church, one of the four types of giving according to the bible.

Published Oct 12, 2020

During his ministry, Jesus used parables to teach people a lesson or introduce them to the kingdom of God. They’re basically stories about real-life scenarios that contain a hidden message. One such story is the parable of the talents.

In the Bible, the parable appears twice: in Luke 19:11-27 and in Matthew 25:14-30. Though the details differ, both versions narrate the same story:

A master was set to travel to distant lands. But before his trip, he called three of his servants and gave each of them a talent according to their abilities. To the first servant, he gave five talents; to the second, two, and just one for the last servant. Then he went on his journey.

The first two servants went and put their money to work. While the last one dug a hole in the ground and hid what he received.

When the master came back, he asked the servants what became of the talents he gave them. The first one proudly replied that he gained 5 talents more with what the master had given him. The second servant also earned two talents more from the initial two he received. When the third servant came forward, he told his master what he did claiming that he did it out of fear.

Obviously, the master was very happy with the first two servants. As a reward for what they did, he put them in charge of more things and invited them to share his happiness. As for the third servant, he took the talent from him and banished him from his house.

The parable concluded with Jesus saying that those who have will be given more while those who have nothing, everything will be taken away from them.

Like any parable, this seems like an ordinary story about a master and his servants. But what message does Jesus want to tell us through this parable? Let’s look at the meaning behind the parable of the talents.

Decoding the Parable

For centuries, the parable of the talents has been interpreted in varying ways. Most of the time, the perspective changes depending on who’s doing the interpretation. But to get to the bottom of the parable, we need to decode its details.

The meaning of parable and talents mean written in vintage

What is a Talent?

In Jesus’ time, talent is used as a unit of weight equivalent to about 80 pounds. But when used as a currency, one talent is about 6,000 denarii – a standard Roman coin which is the usual payment for a day’s labor. So during those times, one talent is equivalent to 16 years’ worth of labor. With this, we can understand why the master was outraged when the servant didn’t make use of something that he can probably only have once in his life.

Details to Note

Throughout the parable, Jesus gives us details that give us a clue on what he wants us to take away from it. Here are some of the interpretations of several of the parables’ notable details:

The Master’s Journey

If it isn’t obvious by now, the master represents Jesus. He talks about him going on a journey which clearly is an allusion to his impending return to his father’s side. His return, obviously, refers to his second coming. The master asking his servants about what became of the talents is Jesus telling us that when he comes again, we will all have to account for what we did with what he has given us.

The Master-Servant Relationship

It’s not uncommon for masters to give their servants stuff. But as we’ve learned, one talent is 16 years’ worth of pay. That amounts to more than a million dollars in today’s money. With this, we can see how much trust the master has for his servants to give them such a huge sum.

On the part of the servants, they could have run away with the money. Or do what the third servant did to save them the hassle of investing the money. But they didn’t. They remained faithful to their master even when he was away and made good use of what he was given.

What the Parable Means For Us

This parable may have been written thousands of years ago but that doesn’t mean it’s not relevant anymore. Yes, the concept of master and servant may have been outdated as well as most of the details in the story. But the lessons remain true no matter how many centuries have passed.

Here are some of the main takeaways we can get from the parable of the talents:

Success Is Not Possible Without Taking Risks

The third servant is a basic example of what would happen when we are too afraid to take risks. Yes, we won’t lose anything. But we will also gain nothing. In short, we can’t attain success without taking risks along the way.

In Everything That We Do, We Must Seek to Glorify God

The faithfulness of the two servants despite their master’s absence is a testament to their commitment to glorify their master. Even if he isn’t physically present, they used his given talents to do what he would have wanted them to do. The same goes for us. In everything that we do, we must seek to glorify God. We must use what he has given us according to his purpose.

Each of Us Have God-Given Talents

Just as how each servant received a different amount of talent, we too are given diverse skills and abilities. You may not be a born singer or dancer but surely there’s something you’re good at. After all, we can’t all be singers and dancers. Being good at reading other people’s emotions is a talent. Even having nice, neat handwriting is a talent. It’s up to us how to make use of that god-given talent to suit his purpose.

God’s Reward Depends on Our Effort

In the parable, the master rewarded the two servants but punished the last one. The same is true for us too. We get rewarded for the good things we do and punished for every bad action. That’s why when we do good to other people and use God’s given talent to make life better for others, we receive more blessings.

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Our Father’s House Soup Kitchen has fed the poor and homeless over 90,000 full and nutritious meals since 1993. You can donate to help the poor and homeless through our christian charity online. Visit our homepage to find our online donation form.

About The Author

Judy Ponio is a full time blogger and is devoted to topics about charity, kindness, and Christianity. She is part of the Correct Digital, Inc SEO team, which is paid by private donors to provide website digital marketing services to this non-profit organization.

August 28 2020

40 Spot On Quotes About Making a Difference

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Published August 28, 2020

Most of us want to make a difference – to not just live, but to live with a purpose. But making a difference usually entails sacrifices. Unfortunately, few are willing to give up the relative comfort of their safe zones for the sake of making the world a better place.

As we make our way into the world, we tend to become so wrapped up in all our concerns. We forget that others have their own struggles too. Or that we can do something to ease their sufferings, even if we are having a tough time ourselves.

Truth is, we can all make a difference. No matter how small or how insignificant your effort may seem, it can make an impact. Just like how a small drop of water can cause ripples, you too can effect change. Small actions like giving a sandwich to a homeless man or even just being there can make a world of difference for that person. Now, imagine if all of us will do that for each other.

If you’re still not convinced, these quotes about making a difference will change your mind:

In a gentle way, you can shake the world. – Mahatma Gandhi
The purpose of life is to contribute in some way to making things better. – Robert F. Kennedy
We rise by lifting others. – Robert Ingersoll
No work is insignificant. All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence. – Martin Luther King Jr.
Never underestimate the difference YOU can make in the lives of others. Step forward, reach out, and help. This week reach to someone that might need a lift. – Pablo
No act of kindness no matter how small is ever wasted.- Aesop
Great leaders don’t set out to be a leader, they set out to make a difference. It’s never about the role, always about the goal. – Jeremy Bravo
Go into the world and do well. But more importantly, go into the world and do good. – Minor Myers
Kindness can transform someone’s dark moment with a blaze of light. You’ll never know how much your caring matters. Make a difference for another today. – Amy Leigh Mercree
Even though the world is large, one person can still make a world of difference. – Frank Sonnenberg
You are never too insignificant to make a difference. – Gift Gugu Mona
The question is not whether you can make a difference in the world but what useful difference you can make! – Mehmet Murat Ildan
You may find that making a difference for others makes the biggest difference in you. – Brian Williams
Stand for something. Make your life mean something. Start where you are with what you have. You are enough. – Germany Kent
The best the world has to offer comes from the best you have to give to others. – Matshona Dhliwayo
When you are called for a great duty because you have been given a great ability, do your very best to leave great footprints no matter what! – Ernest Agyemang Yeboah
Love people who hate you. Pray for people who have wronged you. It won’t just change their life…it’ll change yours. – Mandy Hale
Love is a great gift, cherish it, share it, and make this world a better place with the love you have to give. – Heather Wolf
Make a difference in someone’s life every day. It does make a difference. Everyone has the ability to make a difference. It doesn’t take much to give someone encouragement. The wheel always comes full circle, and whatever we give out will always return to us. The most meaningful acts are often the ones we commit without prompting or expectations. We have such profound power when we lend an ear, a hand, or an act of kindness. – Angie Karan
If you have much, give of your wealth; if you have little, give of your heart. – Arabian Proverb

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21.Whatever change you desire for the world, create that change in your own life. You are here for a purpose. Seek it out. Hunt it down. The greatest misery is to be purposeless. The great depression of our age is not economic, but spiritual. Our spiritual poverty is rooted in our purposelessness. – Matthew Kelly

22.We all owe everyone for everything that happens in our lives. But it’s not owing like a debt to one person- it’s really that we owe everyone for everything. Our whole lives can change in an instance- so each person who keeps that from happening, no matter how small a role they play, is also responsible for all of it. Just by giving friendship and love, you keep the people around you from giving up- and each expression of friendship or love may be the one that makes all the difference. – Will Schwalbe

23.We’re given a choice in our lives, to make things better, or worse, or merely endure like sheep. I choose to make things better, as much as I can. – Mercedes Lackey

24.Tomorrow, smile at a perfect stranger and mean it. – John O’Callaghan

25.Find something that you are passionate about in making a difference and you’ll find a waiting kinship of people willing to unite for the cause. – Wes Adamson

26.If your presence doesn’t make an impact, your absence won’t make a difference. – Trey Smith

27.There is nothing more beautiful than someone who goes out of their way to make life beautiful for others. – Mandy Hale

28.The abundant life begins from within and then moves outward to other individuals. If there are richness and righteousness in us, then we can make a difference in the lives of others, just as key individuals have influenced the lives of each of us for good and made us richer than we otherwise would have been. – Spencer W. Kimball

29..It doesn’t matter what it is, as long as you’re doing something. – Renni Eddo-Lodge

30.If you cannot feed a hundred people, feed one. – Mother Teresa

31.Dare to reach out your hand into the darkness, to pull another hand into the light. – Norman B. Rice

32.There is no greater joy, nor greater reward than to make a fundamental difference in someone’s life. – Mary Rose McGeady

33.You and I were put on this earth to serve something greater than our narrow interests. When our focus becomes self-centered instead of God-centered we lose our greatest source of power. Our God-given talents are meant to benefit others. – Nick Vujicic

34.The way you treat people who are in no position to help you, further you or benefit you reveals the true state of your heart. – Mandy Hale

35.Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth. – Muhammad Ali

36.We can do no great things, only small things with great love. – Mother Teresa

37.I think I began learning long ago that those who are happiest are those who do the most for others. – Booker T. Washington

38.Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared. – Buddha

39.If the world seems cold to you, kindle fires to warm it. – Lucy Larcom

40. Some people think that you have to be the loudest voice in the room to make a difference. That is just not true. Often, the best thing we can do is turn down the volume. When the sound is quieter, you can actually hear what someone else is saying. And that can make a world of difference. – Nikki Haley

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May 6 2020

Top Mental Health Charities You Can Support

SEO Team Uncategorized 0

Published May 6, 2020

Studies show that 1 in 5 US adults live with mental illness. This just demonstrates how rampant mental health issues are in the country. Almost everyone goes through a mental health crisis at least once in their life. And yet, it remains a taboo topic in our society.

People who are suffering from mental and psychological disorders are often stigmatized. This instills in them a fear that they’ll be judged if they talk about what they are going through.

It’s no wonder why most of them end up either behind bars or sleeping on the streets. They are quickly judged on the things they do but no one asks why they do it.

This lack of understanding about the complexity of mental disorders makes it all the more worrying. Many lives could have been saved if someone just listened and empathized. Instead, people who try to speak up about it are criticized and their concerns downplayed.

But a mental disorder is as real as any other disease. It’s not something that is “just in your head”. Instead of judgment, these people need empathy. Instead of criticism, they need encouragement.

As we celebrate the Mental Health Awareness Month this May, let us all do our part to break the stigma. Speak up or support these mental health charities who are leading the charge to end this. Together, we can make a more empathetic and understanding world for those who need it the most.

1. Brain and Behavior Research Foundation

Since 1987, this charity has awarded grants to scientific research on mental health disorders. The data gathered from these studies have been a huge help for mental health professionals. It also allowed the rest of the world to gain a deeper understanding of various mental health issues.

The foundation also claims that 100% of the donations they receive go to research grants. Their operating expenses are covered by separate foundation grants. As of April 2020, they’ve already awarded more than $408 million to more than 560 institutions around the world.

2. The Trevor Project

LGBTQ youths are one of the most vulnerable people in our society. As such, many of them suffer from mild to debilitating mental disorders. They are the ones that The Trevor Project aims to help.

They provide crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ youths. Among its initiatives is a lifeline that receives up to 45,000 calls per year. They also offer training and workshops to adults who work closely with the youth. You can also access various suicide prevention resources on their website.

3. Mental Health America (MHA)

MHA had been helping in the fight against mental health disorders since 1909.

Aside from research, the foundation also has various programs to help those who suffer from mental illnesses. It aims to provide a holistic approach to promoting mental health.

Their programs and advocacies cover prevention, timely intervention, integrated care, and support for those who need it.

4. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

What started as a grassroots advocacy is now the nation’s largest mental health organization. Since 1979, they’ve grown to more than 500 local affiliates that operate all over the country.

Its primary goal is to raise public awareness and provide education and support to individuals affected with mental disorders. The organization maintains a lifeline that caters to hundreds of thousands of requests each year.

To raise public awareness, they also launched the Mental Illness Awareness Week and NAMIWalks. As of 2018, NAMIWalks have raised $11.9 million across the country.

5. American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

In 2018 alone, more than 40,000 people have taken their own lives in the US. This makes the country’s suicide rate one of the highest among wealthy nations.

This is what AFSP is fighting for. The organization is at the fore of the country’s suicide prevention advocacies. The donations they receive are used to fund scientific research and educate the public on mental health and suicide prevention. They also advocate for public policies as well as offer support to those who have lost a loved one to suicide.

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philanthropist couple giving food to the homeless

January 30 2020

How to Become a Philanthropist Even If You Don’t Have Millions of Dollars

Content Team Uncategorized 0

Published January 30th, 2020

So you have the heart for helping others, and you badly want to donate to charity. The only problem is, you’re merely getting by yourself and probably only a couple of paychecks away from being homeless. Do you still have any chance of becoming a philanthropist?

Of course! Contrary to popular beliefs, philanthropy isn’t just about the money. You don’t have to be a Bill Gates or Warren Buffet to help the underprivileged. In charity, what matters most is the intent.

There are a lot of ways you can become a philanthropist without having to sign a multimillion-dollar check. Here are some of them:

Share Your Expertise

Your skills and expertise are just as valuable as money when it comes to philanthropy. If you’re good at cooking, you can always help cook food in a soup kitchen. Or if you’re good at arts, you can put up an exhibit and donate all the proceeds to charity.

Take the example of a teacher in the Philippines who was awarded CNN’s Hero of the Year in 2009. He started a mobile school advocacy by refurbishing an old wooden cart. He filled it with books, notebooks and other school supplies then took to the streets. He scoured slums, cemeteries, and even trash dumps to teach homeless children how to read and even basic math. He wasn’t a millionaire by any stretch, but he made use of his skills to make a difference in his community.

Volunteer Your Time

Another way of giving back to the community is by sharing your time through volunteerism. There are a lot of charitable institutions here and abroad that are always on the lookout for volunteers. It may not seem much to you, but your time and effort can help change lives.

Donate Your Old Belongings

Do you have clothes, shoes, or any belongings that you’re not using anymore? You can always give it to the less fortunate. Organizations like the Salvation Army, Goodwill, and The Red Cross accepts old clothing donations. You can also donate them to local homeless shelters or in soup kitchens. Homeless people need not just food but clothing and hygiene items too.

Give Away Reward Points

Charities can make use of reward points too. Whether it’s from a gas station, pizza place, supermarket, or airline, every point is useful. It can be used to provide food, clothing, or transportation to homeless people.

Do Random Acts of Kindness

Philanthropy doesn’t have to be elaborate. Even simple random acts of kindness can make a difference. Simple things like giving care packs to the homeless or offering a ride to the disabled can help brighten someone’s day.

Be a Blood/Organ Donor

Your blood or organ may give someone a second chance at life. So if an opportunity arises, do not hesitate to donate them. You may not be able to donate financially, but saving someone’s life is something that no amount of money can buy.

Organize a Humanitarian Effort

Organizing fundraising events and charity gatherings helps just as much as making cash donations. It not only helps raise funds for the needy but also increases awareness among people on the importance of charity.

Give Whatever You Can

When it comes to charity, any amount helps. No matter how small or insignificant it is. So don’t be afraid to donate any amount you can spare. A few dollars is still better than nothing. Remember, it’s the intent that counts, not the amount.

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A happy, wealthy, and healthy couple living a good retirement life

January 30 2020

The Art of Good Living: 10 Tips to Enjoy a Happy Retirement Life

Content Team Uncategorized 1

Published January 30th, 2020

Do you sometimes ask yourself what will happen to your life once you retire? I think what most of us want is to have a wealthy, healthy, and, most importantly, a happy retirement.

However, some people end up with little to no retirement savings and often struggle with a lack of purpose once they retire. But, it doesn’t have to be this way.

Retirement life can be pleasant as you want it to be if you have the right goals that will allow you to achieve what you want.

Here are some excellent tips to follow so you can have that happy retirement life that you have always dreamed of.

Find Your Purpose

Retirement means you now have lots of time to do the things you’ve always wanted to do. However, a lack of purpose can lead to boredom and depression, especially if you are closely tied to your career.

So, ask yourself, what do you want to do in life once you stop working? Do you want to travel? Do you want to start a business? How about some charity work?

Straighten Out Your Finances

Check whatever benefits you can claim. You would want to be sure that your retirement funds will last long, so it’s crucial to get your finances in order.

Budget. Budget. And Budget

Even if you have a tremendous amount of retirement savings, if you don’t spend it wisely, you might end up with no money at all. Don’t stop budgeting, and remember that there won’t be a monthly paycheck to cover your financial mistakes anymore.

Stay Healthy

It’s also essential to take care of your body. Take advantage of your extra time to explore healthy cooking options because when you feel good, it’s easier to stay positive.

Also, research says that eating more vegetables and fruits makes you happier.

happy couple enjoying a good retirement life

Exercise

Spare some time to work out and get your blood pumping. Harvard says we all should aim to do at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise a day. Not only it helps you to lose weight, but it also helps you to reduce your risk of acquiring health problems, such as heart disease.

Meditate

Meditation has become popular in the last decade. Practicing mindfulness improves your quality of life. Several studies show that meditation can control anxiety, reduce stress, improve sleeping patterns, which most retirees experience.

Pamper Yourself

After decades of hard work, you are entitled to have some “me time.” Have a weekend getaway or go to a spa and pamper yourself. Not only can it boost your self-esteem, but also, you deserve it!

Keep In Touch With Your Friends

Whether it’s your friends from work or your old friends from high school, it’s best to have some regular catching up with them. Retirement does not mean you have to lose touch with the people you care about. So, plan and make arrangements to meet them once in a while.

Get Yourself A New Pet

Retirement life frees up your schedule so you’ll have plenty of time to take care of a new pet. There are many benefits of owning a pet in your life. Research says that caring for something other than yourself is emotionally healthy.

Give Back To Community

Have you ever wondered why you should give back to the community? Well, your contribution matters, and perhaps you’d enjoy volunteering or donating to the people in need. There are ways on how you can be the light to the needy. Help out some charities or give some donations in soup kitchens. Doing so creates a positive impact on the world and with the people around you.

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January 30 2020

Are You an Empath? Here Are The Best Sites To Take an Empath Tests

Content Team Uncategorized 0

Published January 30th, 2020

Are you easily affected by other people’s emotions? Does identifying people’s needs and wants, come naturally to you? Are you extremely sensitive to the emotional ambiance of your environment? If you answered “yes” to all these questions, then you might be an empath!

Merriam-Webster defines empathy as the action of understanding, being aware of, being sensitive to, and vicariously experiencing the feelings, thoughts, and experience of another despite it not being explicitly communicated.

Empaths usually form better and more meaningful relationships than most people. This is mainly due to their ability to sympathize with and understand others. They also tend to be very compassionate and insightful.

If you think you’re an empath and want to understand yourself better, here are the best sites to take an empath test.

Empath Test

With only seventeen questions, this site is perfect if you’re looking for an empath test you can answer in five minutes. The test questions are designed to measure you in several categories:

healing abilities
how you unconsciously mirror other people’s emotions
if you’re logical or intuitive
how you use your empathic protection tools

You are given five options to answer the questions ranging from strongly agree to strongly disagree. The site’s algorithm will then calculate your score based on your answers. The higher your score is, the more likely you are to be an empath.

Your results will also explain what kind of empath you are. It also includes recommendations on how you can improve your empathy skills.

Psychologia

If you’re looking for an empath test based largely on psychological evidence, you should check out this site. It uses experiential examples to gauge your score on empathy.

The questions are based on the usual experiences of an empath. All you need to do is answer how often you’ve experienced such. From your answers, the site will then compute your empath score.

The results are divided into five categories with 80-100 being the highest and 0-14 being the lowest. Those who scored very high on the test are said to feel other people’s emotional state even before they speak. While those with low scores tend to have difficulty dealing with other people and usually don’t work well in a team.

Greater Good Magazine

Backed by three scientific studies, Greater Good Magazine’s online empath test offers perhaps the most accurate empath scale. Like Psychologia, it uses experiential questions. The answers can range from strongly disagree to strongly agree.

There are a total of 29 questions. Six of which will be used by their research team to understand how empathy is affected by factors such as gender and political orientation.

Your results will include an interpretation of your score and tips on strengthening your empathy skills.

Buzzfeed

Looking for a less academic approach to empath tests? Check out Buzzfeed’s!

Though the questions are similar to most empath tests online, they’re shown in large, colored texts. This also makes it perfect for those with vision problems.

The test can be finished in under five minutes. You can also retake it as much as you like. The results include a brief explanation of your empath abilities.

Psychology Today

One of the nation’s leading psychology magazine also developed its own empath test.

There are twenty questions answerable with “yes” or “no”. The number of positive answers determines your level of empathy. Answering “yes” to more than 15 questions means you’re a full-blown empath.

Numerology

If you’re into numerology and are curious about the kind of empath within you, this site’s empath test is the way to go. There are a dozen multiple-choice questions.

The results show the type of empath you are based on your answers. It also explains your “gift” and what you can do to make the most out of it.

The Minds Journal

Deviating from the norm, this site uses images to measure your level of empathy. Each of the 12 questions come with three images you can choose the answer from.

The best thing about this quiz is you don’t have to think. You answer based on your instinct and which image you can most relate to – making it perfect for overthinkers.

At the end of the day, these tests are just guides. Each one of us is unique, and you should never let an online quiz define the kind of person that you are. Empath or not, we should always practice compassion and kindness towards one another.

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January 30 2020

Friendship As Defined In the Bible

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a person pointing at the definition of friendship written in the bible

Published January 30th, 2020

The Bible teaches us so many things. It teaches us to honor God, to obey our parents, and to love our neighbors. But aside from these, it also shows us the importance of friendship.

So what does the Bible say about friendship? What does it mean?

There are several stories about friendship written in the Bible. And with these stories, comes different lessons about friendship. Here are some examples:

Jonathan and David

The story of Jonathan and David is one of the most famous stories about friendship in the Bible. (Samuel 18-20) Jonathan was the son of King Saul, which means that he should have been the next king of Israel. However, God chose David instead. Saul did not want to obey God and had ordered to kill David. But, even though it means that he would never be king, Jonathan befriended David. He protected him from his father’s devious plans.

In Samuel 18:3 Jonathan made a solemn pact with David, because “he loved him as he loved himself.”

The story between Jonathan and David teaches us that a true friend will always be a true friend and will love you as much as he loves himself.

three friends being there for each other just like how Job's friends were there for him

Ruth and Naomi

The friendship of Ruth and Naomi teaches us loyalty and commitment. When Ruth’s husband died, her mother-in-law, Naomi, insisted that she leave and return to her family and start a new life. But even though Ruth had lost her husband, she did not want to lose her friend. She became faithful to Naomi and also said to her, “Where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay.” (Ruth 1:16). Since then, Ruth and Naomi became inseparable and looked out for one another throughout their lives.

Job and His Friends

Job was a righteous man. God blessed him so much because of his faithfulness. However, he was put to many tests of his faith and loyalty. Job became ill and lost everything.

In Job 2:11-13, Job’s three friends went to him to sympathize and comfort him after they heard about all his troubles. This story teaches us that friends come to each other when one faces hardships in life. Being there for your friend at times of great distress can ease the burden and bring comfort.

But aside from these Bible stories about friendship, remember that the Lord Jesus Christ gave us the definition of a true friend. He sacrificed His life for us, His “friends.” In John 15:12-15, He said that we are His friends if we do what He commanded, and that is to love each other as He loved us.