Let us begin by acknowledging the beauty of friendship, as it is a blessing from God. Proverbs 17:17 WEB states, "A friend loves at all times; and a brother is born for adversity." It is wonderful to have friends and to enjoy friendships where we feel blessed, where we receive encouragement and love.
However, we must remember that our ultimate source of joy, love, and fulfillment should be found in our relationship with Jesus Christ. Let us be mindful that we should not elevate any person, but rather, we should be thankful for the people in our lives, acknowledging that they are gifts from God who has blessed us with them.
If our relationship with someone is a romantic relationship or has the potential to be, then we should ensure that it aligns with biblical principles. If it is merely friendship, then we should likewise ensure that we are being a godly friend.
We should also be careful not to make idols out of our friends or family. Let us remember the words of Matthew 10:37-38 WEB, "He who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he who loves son or daughter more than me isn’t worthy of me. He who doesn’t take his cross and follow after me, isn’t worthy of me."
Let us pray together for Julie and Rucker:
Dear Heavenly Father,
We come before You, lifting up Julie and Rucker. We thank You for the blessing of their friendship and the joy they bring to each other's lives. We pray that their friendship will be a reflection of Your love and that it will draw them closer to You.
Lord, we ask that You guide them in their interactions, that they may encourage and support each other in righteousness. Help them to be a light to one another and to the world around them.
If there is any intention or desire for their relationship to be a romantic relationship, we pray that You will guide them according to Your will. Help them to seek You first and to honor You in all their actions. We pray that they will not engage in fornication, that they would save themselves for their spouse, or that if they have failed in this then they will repent and receive forgiveness and restoration.
We also pray for their salvation, that they would believe in Jesus Christ if they do not already know Him. We pray that they would confess with their mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in their heart that God has raised Him from the dead so they would be saved.
Help them to remember that true fulfillment comes from You alone, and that Your love is the greatest gift of all.
In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.