Friendships have always been important to me, particularly as an adult. I realize that they are not important to everyone, but being in fellowship with others (especially with Christians ) is something that the Lord says is good for us. Adulting is hard work and not much fun sometimes —all the more reason to carve out a little time for socialization. In between all that spiritual warfare, God wants you to have fun!
Having fun can be an area of spiritual growth when you do it unto the Lord. When you find healthy and constructive ways to let loose, connect with others, and glorify Him, He delights in that. If you invite Him into your social life/circle, you’ll find that He’s a lot fun. He’s constantly showing me how to celebrate Him within mine – whether I’m in the company of Christian friends, friends from other faiths, or with my agnostic/atheist friends.
Like all relationships, friendships require compromise, tolerance, forgiveness, and lots of love. They also go through seasons of testing and drought. God has brought many friendships into my life, but has also taken several away. Some have been with me for decades. Others have been in the last couple years. I’m always grateful for new connections because I love people and get along with all walks of life. But I especially enjoy the circle of wonderful women with whom I can pray, dish about the Lord, share a glass of sparkling wine, laugh, talk husbands and kids, cry with, and so on.
Jesus was kind and got along with everyone, and I think we need to follow that lead when it comes to friendship. But I also think we have to be careful with whom we closely associate because negative influence will wear us down (remember that equally yoked part…it doesn’t just apply to marriage). If your friend edifies you way more than they hurt you (some hurt is inevitable in relationships), they’re probably sweet for your soul. If being around them makes you feel good (in a healthy way) most of the time, give thanks for them.
You know the people in your life who are holding you back, who don’t bring out the best in you. We’ve all got at least one at any given time. Pray for your friendship. See if God wants to restore it. Be ready to let it go if He wants to release you both. There are seasons when friendships can feel like they’re on hold because you haven’t had much contact, and that’s okay. Life is busy—a good friendship withstands time, distance, and picks back up where you left off.
The wonderful thing about praying for your friendship, rather than having a face-off with your friend, is that, oftentimes, God shows you both how to restore it. And, the wonderful thing about letting go of a friendship is that while we can’t always see the value in the moment, we usually see it in hindsight. God always knows who’s for us and who’s against us (even when we don’t). When He asks us to let go of an unhealthy friendship, He replaces it with a more fulfilling one (or five).
“Thank you, God, for the Gift of Friendship. ”
