Image courtesy of Thia Photography
Friendship isn’t about who you’ve known the longest. It’s about who walked into your life and said “I’m here for you” and proved it. -Unknown
The Bible gives many clear scriptures about the importance of community and friendship. In Matthew 18:20, Jesus expresses the power we have when two or three of us pray in His name. We can be successful by ourselves, but God’s Word gives us encouragement to gather as friends and realization of the power we have when we pray in His name together.
For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. -Matthew 18:20
Recently my young son had to be hospitalized due to a serious infection. As I sat in his room day after day feeling helpless, I received numerous calls and texts from family and friends letting me know they were praying for my child. During those moment I had great comfort in knowing that those people were actually praying. I was praying too, but knowing others were lifting him up in prayer strengthened my faith. I knew those who said they were praying meant it and it wasn’t a phrase tossed lightly my way to end a conversation.
Friendship is the most meaningful when it is lived intentionally. When a friend asks for prayer, really pray. Don’t just say you will and forget, your friend may be at her lowest point and need you to carry her burden for a few minutes. If a friend wants to talk, really listen. If a friend wants company, spend quality time and visit her. Intentional friendships have deep roots and will go both ways with giving and receiving. Be the type of friend you would want to have.
Growing up I listened to Hezekiah Walker’s gospel song “I Need You To Survive,” that said “I need you, you need me, we’re all a part of God’s body….You are important to me, I need you to survive.”
As friends, we need to remember each other’s importance and love each other through acts of kindness.
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. {Hebrews 10:25}
In rough times of life, God knew how much more we would need each other and that is one of the reasons He places friends in our lives. Don’t slack in the fellowship of friends and try to do it all alone. Cling to your friends, grow your friendships, express affection of your friendships. Be that friend who proves they are there when your friend’s heart is crying “I need help!”
In the month of February as we reflect on love and relationships, remember your friends, prove that you are there for them, and intentionally be their friend.