Friendsgiving

Today we’re having a little version of Friendsgiving — a celebration of the people God brings into our lives who make the journey sweeter.

Proverbs 17:17 (NLT) says, “A friend is always loyal.” And you know what… food tastes better, life feels lighter, and some days even seem kinder when you have good friends.

We’re celebrating friendship, gratitude, and all the beautiful people God has placed in your story.

You know how Friendsgiving always brings out everyone’s personalities?

• The one who shows up with homemade gourmet stuffing.

• The one who stops by the store on the way and brings… napkins.

• And the one who insists, “I can cook!” but should absolutely not cook. So, we give them the rolls.

But that’s the joy of it — the gathering and the conversations.

Friendship isn’t about who brings what to the table; it’s about who sits at the table with you.

And thank God for the napkin-bringers of the world… they keep us humble.

Here’s to friends who make life sweeter.

There’s something amazing about the way God uses people to bless our lives.

A comforting conversation.

A shared laugh.

A friend who shows up at just the right moment.

Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 (NLT) says, “Two people are better off than one… if one falls, the other can reach out and help.”

Friends are reminders that God cares about us so deeply, He surrounds us with people who can lift us when we’re tired, cheer us when we’re discouraged, and celebrate us when life is good.

That’s the heart of Friendsgiving — gratitude for the relationships we couldn’t imagine life without.

A beautiful truth to embrace today and to carry with us.

Friendship can look like big milestones… but honestly? It’s often the small things.

Sharing a silly meme.A random text that says, “Thinking of you.”A hug that lasts one extra second.A smile across the room.

Jesus showed us the value of community — He lived life in relationship, shared meals, and spent time simply being with His friends.

Friendsgiving reminds us that we’re not meant to go through life alone.

There is joy in gathering, in the laughter of togetherness, and in the grace of relationships that feel like home.

Having good friends — ones that can pray with us and have those silly conversations with us — are the best, most freeing ones. God made us for this kind of community.

It’s a good day to be grateful for the people who make life a little lighter.

Psalm 23 tells us that God prepares a table for us — a picture of invitation, closeness, and belonging.

Friendsgiving is a tiny, earthly glimpse of that table:

People gathering.

Hearts opening.

Grace overflowing.

We were created to belong, to connect, to laugh, to share.

God’s table is always open, always welcoming, always full of love.

I once brought an apple pie to a Friendsgiving… and it arrived looking so anemic and pale. I wasn’t sure why because I put what was needed on the dough for it to brown up.

Anyway, everyone acted like nothing was wrong — that’s what friends do!

Someone even said, “Hey… this looks great!” Luckily, it did taste good, so at least I had that going for me.

Friendsgiving meals aren’t about perfection — they’re about people who love you enough to eat your questionable foods anyway.

Good friends turn disasters into memories you laugh about for years.

One of my favorite things in Scripture is how often Jesus ate with His friends.

He shared bread, stories, and life.

He wasn’t distant — He was present.

John 15:15 (NLT) says, “I have called you friends.”

Let that sink in — the Savior of the world calls you His friend.

He delights in your company.

He enjoys being close to you.

And He surrounds you with people who reflect His love.

Friendship is a gift from God — a reminder that His love always shows up in ordinary moments.

Such a comforting truth to hold onto today.

Whether you have a full table this season or a smaller one, God has placed people in your life on purpose — as blessings, companions, and reminders that love is meant to be shared.

Let’s take a moment to pray and give thanks to the Lord for our friends.

Lord, thank You for the gift of friendship. Thank You for the people who make our lives richer, lighter, and more joyful. Help us love well, forgive quickly, and cherish the moments of connection You weave into our days. Bless every friendship represented this morning with peace, joy, and Your presence. Amen.

Friendships are some of God’s sweetest blessings.

The laughter, the kindness, the shared memories — they’re all little reflections of His love.

Take a moment today to be grateful for the people who have walked with you, prayed for you, listened to you, and encouraged you.

And remember — Jesus, your greatest Friend, walks with you every step of the way.

May your day be filled with warmth, gratitude, and the sweet realization that you are surrounded by God’s love — through Him, and through the people He’s placed in your life.