One of the most meaningful experiences in my life has been the gift of friendship which many of you and others have shared with me.

Of course, I&8217;m blessed with a terrific family and loving each other in a family relationship is immeasurably wonderful.

But keep in mind: a friendship gives us the opportunity to share rich and vital relationship with those beyond family lines.

In recent years, a lot has been made about certain TV programs which spotlighted friendship. There was the long-running series, &8220;Cheers,&8221; which was set in a Boston bar &8220;where everybody knows your name.&8221;

Then, a few years afterward, it was &8220;Friends.&8221;

A group of attractive young people shared their deep friendship with American viewers in a way that endeared the show to many, and the show is still in re-runs.

All of that is merely to point out just how important it is to cultivate the right kind of friendship.

There are all sorts of ways to be involved in another person&8217;s life:

there can be physical attraction alone or there can be an economic advantage to be gained or there can be other matters to consider.

However, God wants us to enjoy other people and relationship with them with purer motives.

He wants us to be able to enjoy being involved with people for reasons other than physical or financial ones.

And, the plain fact is:

we need other people.

We need their concern.

We need their involvement in our lives. We need their blessing.

Ron Grizzle serves as pastor at Riverchase Baptist Church in Hoover. He can be reached by email at mailto:ron@rbcstaff.com