Last night’s game between the LA Lakers and the Miami Heat (Lakers won 108-105) turned out to be a celebration of two legendary players competing against each other one last time.

LeBron James and Dwyane Wade have been linked since they entered the league in 2003, but Wade is retiring after the season. The evening spotlighted their strong bond of friendship as champion teammates in Miami, as well as, rivals on opposing teams.

In a league that historically pushed against competitors being “buddy-buddy,” these two players have shown the true value of friendship.

Wade had this to say when describing his relationship with LeBron: “We clicked from the beginning, and we’ve pushed each other and helped each other’s career[s] go up another level and another notch. So he’s been great for me, and I’ve been great for him.”

He also said, “Whether we [were] teammates, whether we [were] opponents, we brought the best out of each other…the friendship we have is beyond basketball.”

I appreciate how both of these guys not only highlight their genuine relationship but also point to the importance of friendship in general. We all need friendships with close and meaningful bonds that “push each other, help each other, and bring the best out of each other.”

As we desire and pursue something similar in our own lives, let’s remember to “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor” (Romans 12:10 – ESV).

By cultivating and intentionally seeking deep friendships, it’s also extremely beneficial when the connection is rooted in Jesus – with both longing to grow spiritually.

Proverbs 27:17 (AMP) says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens [and influences] another [through discussion].”

The greatest example of a friend is amazingly displayed by Jesus. He actually calls us a friend and demonstrates His sincere love for us.

He tells us in John 15:13-15 (AMP), “No one has greater love [nor stronger commitment] than to lay down his own life for his friends. You are my friends if you keep on doing what I command you. I do not call you servants any longer, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you [My] friends because I have revealed to you everything that I have heard from My Father.”

Today, as we embrace our friendship with Jesus, let’s recognize it’s characterized by sacrifice, truth, and trust. Let’s also decide to cherish the friends in our lives who bring the best out of us, push us, and help us…while making sure we are the kind of friend they can value.

I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for providing me with meaningful friendships. I pray I’d continue to cultivate those relationships to an even deeper level. I am thankful for Jesus and His friendship and desire to follow all He commands. It’s in His name I pray, Amen.