Have you found a BFF kind of love?

AMED 48.20

Home | A Miracle Every Day | Miracles | Have you found a BFF kind of love?

There is a really interesting Greek word that translates as love, but it’s a special type: it’s phileo. Phileo love is a BFF (Best Friends Forever) kind of love. It describes a friendship bond that goes deep, very deep. Do you have a friend like this?

The Bible speaks of this level of connection in Proverbs: “A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” (Proverbs 18:24, NKJV)

As I think back over my years, I think about the friends who have graced my life. I’m so grateful for them. They’ve made such a huge difference in the great times and the tough times. One friend who particularly impacted me is my buddy Ron. Many years ago, I had an encounter with God on the streets of Manila in the Philippines. As a result, I decided to leave my successful career and accept the leadership of a small church. I was ill-prepared to handle the challenges of this small church with tons of problems, no money, and huge debts. I knew we needed to find our own land and building, but every door seemed to be shut—until Ron volunteered to help me. He’s helped me for over 27 years, and I’ve been there for him, too. Phileo is that type of love. 

The Bible encourages us to “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2, NIV)

Could it be your time in life to focus on building phileo? Yes, I said building because it takes a truckload of work and skill to build deep, lifelong friendships. I have my own little recipe that could help you start this journey. 

  1. Be friendly. “‘Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.’” (John 15:13, NIV)
  2. Be positive. Nobody likes a negative person. 
  3. Add value. Express love, appreciation, affirmation, and practical help.
  4. Care about the person.
  5. Listen carefully with compassion. 

Would you commit to trying these five action steps? God will help you build a few deep BFFs who will enrich your life and add value to others.

Because you’re a miracle.

Autograph Paul-yourfriend-black (1)

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10 Comments

  1. Gary on 20/11/2020 at 12:47 PM

    Wish I could have some friends, stinks being alone and lonely all the time. Feels so unnatural but thank you God in all things. Amen!

    • Judy on 20/11/2020 at 2:32 PM

      I will pray for you right now! I’m thankful you have God in your heart! May God give you peace and take away your loneliness! God bless you my friend!

    • Jamie Gouge on 20/11/2020 at 4:30 PM

      I need a.friend. I am so tierd of feeling alone. Although I’m married, have a son and a grandson, I’m alone.

  2. Dawn Fratangelo on 20/11/2020 at 2:37 PM

    I am in agreement to break the bond of loneliness whenever it comes knocking. Be Blessed in Jesus name friend. Dawn

  3. Sharon Garrison-Skinner on 20/11/2020 at 4:44 PM

    I wish most of my friend have not past on but God knows what best so I am looking for new friendships amen I am a miracle

  4. AGADA JOHN on 20/11/2020 at 5:20 PM

    I wish or intresting on your BFF,in your ministry every miracle,my phone:2348038162030,email:jagada6@gmail.com,from NIGERIA,KOGI STATE,WORK IN LOKOJA,INDIGEN OF OLAMABORO LG,OGUGU CENTER AREA.

  5. Teresita Mallari on 20/11/2020 at 5:36 PM

    Thank you .

  6. Shatha Al-Reihani on 20/11/2020 at 6:39 PM

    Thank you so much for fixing the audio issue… much appreciated. God bless you all.

  7. Consuelo Vargas on 20/11/2020 at 6:50 PM

    Paul, I really love to nave you as my friend, every morning I look forward to listening to your message, but I notice something different in your voice, I pray that this is only my imagination, I just want you to know that you change the lives of three women, me, my daughter and my granddaughter, you gave us hope, love, but most of all the faith on God, thank you may God bless you and your family, and happy late birthday to your mom, our prayers and friendship are with you, I would like to hear from you. Connie

  8. Sharron Kibler on 21/11/2020 at 12:04 AM

    Hallelujah ???????!!!

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