Four Things I Learned
About Friendships At Bible Camp
Deep, deep into the forest…down the long camp road. Nothing offers more anticipation than crawling along at 30 kilometres an hour down a dusty, twisting road into the forest to the Bible camp. You wonder what you’ll do, who you’ll meet when you drive in, or where you’ll be staying. Many of my favourite memories have less to do with activities and more to do with the people I’ve met. From the preachers and singers, to op-staff members, to fellow cabin mates and co-counsellors, so many different people have crossed my path and taught me how to be a friend.
These are 4 things I learned about friendship at Bible camp.
1. Being a good friend necessitates risk.
You have to take the risk of being hurt or that someone won’t end up being your close friend next year. It’s entirely possible that you'll be disappointed, but taking the chance could mean a friendship you’ll have for life. Reaching out can be daunting, however, without a new challenge, you’ll never get stronger personally and as a Christian. Stretch yourself and realize that who you are right now isn't all that God wants you to become. To be a good friend, you’ll need to step off the well-known path and take the trail into the woods. Remember when it was your first time going to camp? What was your first impression? Maybe you’re super outgoing and confident, or you were the new kid that said hello somewhat awkwardly. You can be the first friend that someone makes at camp. And that is a big deal. Because if that person leaves on day 2 of camp, they still have your welcoming attitude to remember, your encouraging word or friendly smile. Reaching out to a new person will mean putting yourself out there, but it’s worth so much more than that. So be the brave one! Just go for it.
2. Good friends sharpen each other.
Think of a dull kitchen blade, hacking ineffectively at a pumpkin. It only needs sharpening to make it much more useful and accurate. Similarly, a sharpening friend (Prov. 27:17) will help you to be more faithful, and to achieve some difficult goals. Good friends are the ones that stand accountable to and for each other. Everyone needs one friend who'll look you in the eye and tell you not to do something stupid, or give you some much-needed encouragement when you feel frustrated or your heart is breaking. (Proverbs 27:9) A friend who will volunteer to clean out the dumpster with you, run a 5k, who won’t make fun of your allergies, but will make you laugh. A true friend will takes time to make sure you’re doing okay, not just to ask what’s for breakfast.
God just might use you to get a friend started reading the Bible, or quit a bad habit. Lead by example. You show what you believe is true by what you do every day. Is morning devotions a must on your mental schedule? Get close to God by prayer and Bible study. Our God will direct your steps if you’re seeking Him.
Defend your friend, don’t gossip.
”A whisperer separateth chief friends.” (Proverbs 16:28) Don’t let gossip slip into your conversations. The person who will tell you about someone else's mistake or fault will later talk about yours to other people. It’s easy, but it is not worth losing the respect or trust of your friend. Jonathan was a good friend to David when he defended him against Saul’s slander. "Jonathan spake good of David unto Saul his father…because he hath not sinned against thee, and because his works have been to thee-ward very good.” (1 Samuel 19:4)
A good friend loves at all times. The friend who will only talk to you or work with you when you are popular with the crowd, or haven’t disagreed with them, is not a good friend. When your friend grieves, suffers persecution, or is attacked by another person, you need to be there for them.
Also, your friend will disappoint you. Will you forgive that person when they ask? Do you show love to them by kind acts and words? Jonathan (1 Sam. 20:17) loved his friend David as he loved himself. In an age where self-love is promoted as deserved and needed, we need to prioritize loving God and loving others.
At the end of the day, no one will remember if you played sports well or had cool shoes. They’ll remember how you treated them. What kind of a friend are you? Do your friends know that they can count on you to be there? Do you have a friend who will sharpen your character for God? Trust God, and He will work in your heart as you surrender your friendships to Him.