Friends For Life

Agree with one another, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Philippians 2:2

We were made to be connected,
Not to do life alone;
To share our ups and downs with each other,
Instead of existing on our own.

Some friendships come and go,
Connecting for a reason;
Sharing a passing commonality,
They are there for just a season.

We have friends who are acquaintances,
We see them now and then;
We enjoy each other's company
Until we meet again.

There are friends we have for life,
Our souls connecting from the start;
Whether we are near or far,
They're close to us in heart.

Each type of friend
Is significant in our life;
As we've been there for each other
In happiness and strife.

But the greatest friend we have
Is Jesus Christ, our Lord;
He shapes our other relationships
So we can live in one accord.

My pastor recently started a new sermon series called Life With. It is one of our church’s values: “We don’t do life alone; we serve together for the benefit of all.” We need each other. It’s something many of us understood all too well during the isolating pandemic. We found ways to communicate virtually so we could stay connected and nurture our relationships.

Among those relationships, is friendship. If you think back, you can recall friends in various stages of your life. Some of them were there just for a short time, but they hold a special place in your heart. Growing up, my neighborhood was full of girls all around the same age. We did everything together. I have so many fond memories of all of us playing Barbies, going to the pool, riding our bikes to the park, playing games in each other’s basements on rainy Saturdays, having snowball fights, and going caroling. (Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. Romans 15:2) We were there for each other through thick and thin. But, as we got older, our world expanded, and we met new friends and gained new interests. Eventually, we all moved away and gradually lost touch. They were friends for a season but significant, nonetheless.

There are countless colleagues that have come and gone, but who had a significant impact on my life. They helped shape me as a Christian, a teacher, and a friend. They were prayer partners, mentors, and bosom buddies. We encouraged each other in difficult times and rejoiced in big and small successes. (Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. I Thessalonians 5:11) Because my children attended the school I taught at, many of these dear friends had a positive influence on them as well. They are remembered fondly in many of our conversations.

Other friends we only see occasionally. But, when we do meet, it’s as if no time has passed between visits! Friendships connect hearts, so time and distance do not exist. (Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Philippians 1:3) I recently attended an event for a former colleague/friend, and, to my joy, met up with many other former colleagues/friends, as well as former students and their parents. We had so much fun reminiscing and catching up with one another! It reminded me that God designed our souls to connect with people and that connection remains strong.

We all have those soul-sister friends. You have a deep-seated connection with each other that will last a lifetime. (Agree with one another, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Philippians 2:2) You’re there for each other in the darkest hour. You’re each other’s biggest cheerleader. You’re not easily offended by each other’s counsel. You pass no judgment but love each other deeply. (Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.1 Peter 4:8) I am so grateful for these friends whom I can count on to lift me up, give me sound advice, and pray together. There is no better feeling than a hearty laugh with a friend, too!

Although all these friendships are meaningful, our greatest friend is that of Jesus Christ. Without Him, our friendships would be lacking. He is our greatest example of friendship. He loves us unconditionally and teaches us how to love one another. (This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. John 15:12) He is compassionate, honest, protective, encouraging, faithful, kind, forgiving and patient. Oh, what our world would look like if we were to love others as He loves us! My friends, let us start with each other and move forward into the world!

Lord, Thank you for the gift of friends. I pray that you would guide me in being a friend to others like You are to me. Help me extend that love to everyone I meet. Amen