God created us for friendship—with Himself and with others. And there is nothing more satisfying than a healthy relationship with not only the Divine, but with another human being. Jesus Himself told His disciples, “I no longer call you servants but friends.” He didn’t want merely their spiritual service, but their friendship. Why? Because friends share dreams; and not only dreams, but difficulties, challenges, and of course, fun times. Lots of them.
It is said that a true friend is someone who can know everything about you and still be your friend. They stick with you—closer than a brother, as King Solomon put it. They encourage and support you. They celebrate you. Their counsel is sweet, even when it’s not what you want to hear, but you know it’s right. They don’t abandon you, slander you, or whisper behind your back. A friend loves at all times (Prov. 17:17).
Medical science shows that friendships are important—that social support brings down our
blood pressure and signals our adrenal glands to stop pumping out corticosteroids so that we feel less anxious, less overwrought, less overwhelmed. Strong friendships are one of the most important stress-fighters we have, helping us to live longer, more fulfilled lives.
Think about what friendships you have that need to be strengthened and cultivated, or what new ones need to be made. If you’ve been hurt in past relationships, forgive and move forward in the friendships God has for you now. Don’t let the past hold back your present. Also, real relationships aren’t built over-night or through info-bit exchanges on social networking sites. In our busy lives, we need to make time for friends: prioritize face time, schedule get-togethers, and honor those commitments.
To have friends, you must be a friend. Begin with being a friend with God—sharing His dreams, prioritizing face-to-face time with Him, sharing joyful experiences in His presence. But don’t stop there–call someone; invite them to coffee, dinner, or a movie. Have them over for a game night. Exit your busy schedule for a few minutes to build positive relationships. Relationships are like plants—you need to tend them and keep them if you want them to grow.
Life is meant to be shared. Share it with someone today.
J. Nicole – Abba’s Daughter
