There are lots of different kind of friends. Childhood friends. Family friends. Casual friends. They’re all important. But maybe the two best kinds are old friends and new friends. New friends are the unknown. They hold the possibility of adventure, and excitement, and mystery. But also the risk of disappointment and failure.

Old friends are comfortable. You know what to expect, how they will respond. The need to perform, to preen and strut, to impress is not there. They already know what an idiot you can be, but they’re still your friend. Even with all your failings, quirks, and mistakes, they still accept you.

In the past couple months, I have been able to reconnect with some old friends. Some, I literally had not seen or spoken to in years. Reconnecting with them was not completely easy. It took time, effort and commitment, but, man, was it ever worth it.

It was just like we had seen each other a week ago, not a decade or two. We were able to share and even pray together. It was a great encouragement to me and I hope it was too my friends. I hope and plan to be a lot better at keeping up with them in the future.

I have another friend. He’s always around when I need him, but he never pushes himself on me. He knows and wants what is best for me, and he encourages me to strive to be a better person. Sometimes, he corrects me, admonishes even, but, he is never condemning. I know that he loves me enough to die for me. He already did.

Maybe you know him, too?

Proverbs 18:24b – But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Luke 5:20 – When Jesus saw their faith, he said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.”