What does friendship look like?
Identifying the beauty and joy in friendships can come with ease, but putting in the effort to maintain and steward our friendships takes intentionality and effort.
We are created for community. God created us not to be isolated beings, but rather people who live life together. The primary way that we as Christians live in community is by belonging to the church.
24And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:24-25
When we are in close relationships with other believers, we have people to pray for us, support us, encourage us, and serve alongside us, and in return we have people that we can pray for and minister to. If you are new to the church, come early to the gatherings and stay late, engaging in conversations. Jump into a life group. Meaningful relationships can take time to develop but keep trying.
A demonstration of a great friendship and love for their friend was the four men going to see Jesus’ teaching, but the crowd was so large, they had to carry their paralyzed friend’s mat to the roof, where they dug a hole and lowered their friend right in front of Jesus. Jesus healed the man, and he jumped up and walked off. (Mark 2: 1-12)
What an extraordinary measure of friendship.
It doesn’t always take such a grandiose gesture. It can be sending a card or a knowing smile or hand squeeze. The older I get, the more grateful I am for God’s most treasured gift of friendship. I’m so thankful for the genuine women in my life whom I never have to question. They just show up in every way. This is one of my most treasured gifts.
We want to thank Julie Duke for sharing this post.
Women's Ministry 