The One Year Daily Acts of Friendship: 365 Days to Finding, Keeping, and Loving Your Friends

by Kristin Demery, Julie Fisk, Kendra Roehl

This year let God draw you into deeper friendship with Himself and the people He has placed in your life.In our busy, fast-paced world, so many of us are longing for simple moments of connection with friends who make us feel loved and understood. God created each of us with an undeniable need for authentic community, yet we often struggle to find and nurture true and lasting friendships.The One Year Daily Acts of Friendship explores what genuine friendship looks like and helps you recognize how God amplifies healthy relationships in ways that are gloriously surprising and deeply satisfying. Each day this year, discover easy-to-do ideas for building and maintaining your friendships in small ways that carry long-lasting, relationship-rich impact.

Genres: Nonfiction

383 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 6, 2020

About the author

A career in journalism set Kristin Demery up to one day publish her own stories of living this wild, precious life. She is now an author of numerous books—including her newest, One Good Word a Day (Tyndale, 2021)—and part of a trio of writers collectively known as The Ruth Experience. Kristin served as a newspaper and magazine editor, and her work has been featured in a variety of publications, including USA Today. She still works behind the scenes as an editor for others while writing her own series on kindness, friendship, and living with intention. An adventurer at heart, she loves checking items off the family bucket list with her husband and three daughters.

Reviews

[Sara Cuperus · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful devotional that encourages me when friendships feel hard. As I get older and life feels busier, friendships seem harder to initiate and maintain. This devotional is a light in my day. You won’t be disappointed!

[Alissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again these ladies have used a beautiful combination of God’s word and their own life experiences to gently show us pure and simple ways we can serve Christ by loving those he has placed within our reach. Each daily devotion is a manageable read with a concrete way to intentionally connect with one another. Share this book with your mothers, your daughters, your sisters and your friends. Friendship is sweetness for the soul, and we could all benefit from some extra goodness in the world today. As I have been reading, I see just how blessed I have been by my friends and am encouraged to be that same light and blessing to others. Take a few minutes each day to refresh your heart as you learn how to better walk in friendship with those around you.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

True friendship is worth the investment, and I love that the authors of this book understand this. The devotions they offer include encouragement for being intentional in our friendships, nurturing our relationships, growing through challenges, seeing the spiritual value of lasting, godly friendships, and so much more. I love the simple, practical advice at the end of each day's reading because it is straightforward and easy to execute. After all, friendships are rarely the result of one giant leap or a single grand gesture. Instead, they're the result of a thousand tiny steps two people take towards each other. You'll find 365 of those steps in this beautiful collection of devotions. If you've been struggling to find the companionship you long for, or if you want help nurturing the friendships you already have, this book is for you.

[Lynnea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring, Insightful, Beautiful, and Wise

Those are the words I would use to describe this well written devotional. It's one of those "laugh and cry" books that delves into the meaning of deep and true friendship as well as forgiveness and kindness. Basically everything that a woman of God should strive for in her life when it comes to relationships with us AND our relationships with God.

Each entry is well written, has a personal touch and you feel like your becoming friends with these ladies as you read each one. I love their Daily Acts of Kindness, but The One Year Daily Acts of Friendship is going to be a great re-connector of several of my friendships and I'm so excited as they join me in the journey of reading it.

[Angie Carroll · Rating 5 out of 5]

The One Year Daily Acts of Friendship is a 365 day devotion that gives you personal stories from the authors and then gives you an opportunity to go out each day and complete one of the activities. I loved that it was an easy read and I was very encouraged by the study and excited to try to go and live out the tasks for the day. It really speaks to me about how having close friendships are and how to nurture them. We all sometimes assume that we don't need to work at our friendships and I think that is not true. We need to show them that we think they are just as important as everybody else in our lives, sometimes even more. I would recommend this book either for yourself or to buy for your friends because they would highly enjoy it also.

[Hannah Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful gift this book has been. This devotional has carried me through the last few months with more intentionality, encouragement and grace. We were all made to crave relationships and friendships. In order to find true friendships, we need to be willing to be the friends we want to have. Filled with scripture and daily tasks, this devotional book makes a wonderful addition to your quiet time. The stories within have truly encouraged me to have a heart for service, hospitality and love. Not overly religious (although I am a Christian) and can be read with your children (for the most part) in order to encourage their friendships blossom and empathy for people grow. I loved it.

[Susan Carson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was honored to read an advance copy of the book. This daily devotional is a gift for our time, reminding us of the beauty and necessity of genuine friendship and deep heart connection. In a time when our connections with others can feel distant or strained, Daily Acts of Friendship offers us an encouraging nudge to engage with others in new ways. Readers explore the meaning and nature of genuine friendship and healthy connection that satisfies the soul. Each devotion features a scripture, a personal story from the authors, and a practical action step that is relationally rewarding.

[Ronni · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gives some simple, sometimes hard to do tasks for each and every day of one full year. You could read this honest, endearing, and sometimes heart wrenching devotional book every morning to give you ideas of how to be a great friend. I have learned so much, and I haven't even completed the book yet. Loving the friends I have and making new friends is a new goal for me. We recently moved to a small rural community, and I'm looking forward to using these tips and tricks to help me meet new people.

[BrandiandJarred Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great daily read! Friendship is something we all desire, and the “acts of friendship” help us develop deeper connections, unexpected connections, & these intentional acts grow friendships.
I love this quote, “There is something immeasurably valuable in the simple act of listening, something powerfully therapeutic in the gift of uninterrupted space to think out loud. My friend let me confess my mistakes without smoothing them over, without trying to minimize my actions. Her attentive listening gave me a safe space to reconsider exactly where I went astray...”

[Myndee Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, just wow! This book is laid out beautifully to be read each day, however I find myself wanting to read ahead:) The authors do such a great job of weaving God’s truth through their personal experiences. So much wisdom and best of all...it gives us an opportunity to grow and apply these truths as well. Get your Christmas shopping done early as this would be the perfect gift for the ladies on your list! The topic of friendship crosses all generations and cultures as we ALL could be a better friend to those around us!

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing! It has been an inspiration to me for several reasons. The first being to reach out and reconnect with friends new and old and let them know why I treasure their friendship. The second reason is to pit myself out there to connect with new friends and open up my circle. I want to set a good example for my girls on being a good friend and being inclusive of all. This book does a great job with the stories and the "Act of Friendship." Thank you for writing this ladies!

[Loretta Brewster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazingly done!!! Each day’s entry centers around a theme, with scripture verses, a short narrative and a suggestion to implement to strengthen friendships. The tips are practical, useful, and inspiring. The girls are real, raw, honest and open in their narratives; down to earth. I see myself in many of their examples. It just keeps getting better the more I read. An excellent gift for friends .

[Kirstin Yates · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful devotional. Read 1 every day and let God help you grow in your friendships and maybe even identify friendships that it's time to let go of. It's awesome that this is 365 days so it will last you for the whole year, rather than finishing it in a few months and having to start over. It is written in a heartfelt way that will speak to so many readers.

[Jessilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ruth Experience ladies are so down to earth and people I’d totally want to be friends with. In this easy-to-read daily “devotional” style book they share stories from their lives and very practical things each of us can do to be a better friend. I especially like the acts of friendship listed for each day. They are wise mommas, helping us other mommas by sharing what they have learned.

[Sara Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been such a source of encouragement each day I read it. It has helped me to look beyond myself in these times of COVID and look to support others each day. Whether it is a little note of encouragement to friends or a random act of kindness to a stranger. I can't wait to share this with friends!

[Jill Larson Janish · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing and if you have not purchased it you should. What a way to relook at our lives and offer a chance to share love, joy, and encouragement to all our dear friends. Let us be the ones to open our tables, invite friends in, and share life long memories.

This book is a great short story easy read will help you get closer to yourself, your friends, and God.

[Amanda Groethe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is wonderfully written. It is wise, compassionate, and beautiful. In a world where true connection and community is hard to come by, this book is a refreshing way to step back and invest in the important relationships in your life.

Clearly written by down to earth authors that understand our busy lives but desire to build stronger tribes. I highly recommend this book!

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daily Acts of Friendship is a practical, encouraging book. For each day of the year, there’s a scripture, devotional, and act of friendship. It’s the kind of book that I imagine I will pick up during different seasons and one I can read over and over through the years. It would also make a great gift book. I love that it’s written by friends for friends.

[Ginger Harrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this newest devotional from Julie, Kendra, and Kristin. This book is a great follow-on devotional to 100 Days of Kindness. Each devo is short for a quick read to inspire, equip, and remind you of ways to invest in friendship. With 365 daily acts of friendship, there's a lot of practical value in the book. One idea a day makes the content feel doable rather than overwhelming.

[Whittney Froemming · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciate the raw honesty in the devotions. Owning when they have made a mistake and taking it to God. It is a breath of fresh air and such an encouragement to know that these beautiful ladies are truly speaking from their hearts.

[Micah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Making and keeping friends is tough the older we get. This book is an intentional reminder to act on those good intentions that cross your mind, but you quickly forget about. It's a sweet reminder to not just desire to have friends, but be the friend you want to have.

[Melissa Friedrich · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read for all women not only be a better friend but a better person
Layout & content is amazing
Perfect gift too

[Shirley Raye · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an insightful devotional with daily acts of friendship that will not only show readers how to become sisters of encouragement, but will also allow them to store up treasures in heaven.

[Andrea Christenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently moved to a new town. I’m loving the encouragement in this book as I seek to cultivate new relationships, and continue to nurture old friendships.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of relatable ideas, The One Year Acts of Friendship is to be read, studied, and applied again and again. It never gets old.

[Mardi · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful reflection on one of life’s greatest gifts - friendship! Through real-life examples, the authors remind us of the trials, joys, and rewards that are a regular part of healthy, loving friendships. The simple action steps that are shared each day are helpful reminders of how easy - and important - it is to take time to nurture our friendships always. I am recommending this book to all of the important women in my life!

[Samantha Grimsley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an inspirational devotional! Simple, daily acts of friendship I can put into practice to help grow friendships as a reflection of Jesus' friendship with us.

[Holly Raskie]

Through simple stories of women experiencing daily life, this book has grown my faith, my awareness, opened my eyes and my ears to what God is telling me.

The passages are short which allows me time to reflect, meditate, and journal during my daily morning time with the Lord.

The Lord wants us to be in community and this book demonstrates how you can do that in your daily life with daily action steps.

“He shows love to foreigners living among you and gives them food and clothing. So you, too, must show love to foreigners, for you yourselves were once foreigners in the land of Egypt.”
Deuteronomy 10:18–19

We all long for a sense of belonging, to be part of a community. I aspire to be the person who welcomes the stranger and this book is the perfect tool to guide me in doing just that.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has been such a delight to begin reading and acting on and I love the easy, yet meaningful daily tasks. I'm reading an advance copy, but can't wait to start all over again on Jan 1st and do the tasks again! One of my favorites so far has been the entry for Jan 20th called 'The Bully in the Mirror' where one of the authors talks about extending grace and beautiful self talk to ourselves as much as we try to do that to others. Her description "...that life is almost always a kaleidoscope of grief, joy, fear, courage, and everything in between, and that there is no shame in quietly mourning while also outwardly celebrating" resonated with me.

[Kaitlyn Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am LOVING the content in this book. It has made me evaluate what kind of friend I am and how to be a better one. Each day, you get a small, super easy task to aid you in becoming a better friend. One snippet talked about accidentally excluding someone new. This really resonated with me. The topics are relatable to everyday people no matter what stage of life in. I highly recommend anyone wanting to be a better friend get their hands on this book!