Every time I explore another example of friendship in the Bible, I think the same thing – this one is my favorite! David and Jonathon, JD’s girls, Aaron and Hur… they all inspire me just as our next example does:
The Mat Carriers.
Just as in the case with JD’s girls, the men in this story aren’t named. They’re considered minor characters, really, but to their paralyzed friend confined to a small mat, there was nothing minor about them.
When Jesus returned to Capernaum several days later, the news spread quickly that he was back home. 2 Soon the house where he was staying was so packed with visitors that there was no more room, even outside the door. While he was preaching God’s word to them, 3 four men arrived carrying a paralyzed man on a mat. 4 They couldn’t bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, so they dug a hole through the roof above his head. Then they lowered the man on his mat, right down in front of Jesus. 5 Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “My child, your sins are forgiven.” (Mark 2:1-5)
The thing I love the most about these four men is that they put their friendship into action! They served their paralyzed friend, and they did for him what he could not do for himself: they brought him closer to Jesus.
It is so easy to be a great friend in theory, isn’t it? You can make empty promises, pledge undying devotion, and promise to be BFFs ’til the day you die. But what happens when your friend has a flat tire, or a sick child, or a deployed husband?
What happens when their needs become an inconvenience? Do you still help them? Or do you point to the fine print of your friendship and stand on a foundation of every woman for herself?
When I got married several years ago, I was fortunate enough to have several of my BFFs be in my wedding party. They threw me showers, rearranged their schedules, and wore tacky bridesmaids dresses just for me. But do you want to know the single act of friendship that stands out the most to me during that time? It’s a weird one, so let me set the scene.
I broke my hand two days before my wedding (another story for another day!), so my left hand was in a cast and was completely useless. I couldn’t get it wet, and I couldn’t even bend my fingers. I was able to maneuver most tasks, but there was one thing I couldn’t find a way to do myself: I couldn’t shave my right arm pit!
My friend, Sarah, was the first one to arrive on the day of my rehearsal diner, and I literally met her at the door with a razor and a weak smile. “Can you help me?” I pleaded, and that girl didn’t even blink. She shaved my arm pit for me and thought nothing of it!
I tell ya, that’s a picture of friendship right there!
So how are you carrying your friend’s mat? Are you serving her? Are you putting your friendship into action? If not, what can you do for her today?
Q: BFFs serve each other. How are you putting your friendship into action? What has a friend done for you lately that really touched you?
Read the entire BFF Series:
Since my husband was severely injured,many have come forward to help carry our mat. It might be in continued communication,letting me know they are still there; visits,to encourage and support or just to listen; hugs, you never know how much something means til you lose it . Losing the physical closeness left me feeling empty. Many BFFs picked up on this and take every opportunity to hug. Just to let me know they understand. Many also share verses and stories that God placed on their heart for me. Encouragement, strength, a strong shoulder, a kind word, listening, or bringing food. My BfFs have filled voids that could have become pits. They continue to carry our mat We are blessed
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