Friendship.

What comes to mind when you read the word friendship? You may have thought of qualities that are important to you when selecting a friend, or maybe you thought of your circle of friends. Friendships can sometimes be the most rewarding and intimate relationships that sustain you through challenging times and bring a sense of knowing you will be okay. I’m not alone. When you were a child, your friendships were the people who came to your themed birthday party, helped you with your first crush, and maybe knew a little more about a topic and shared their advice. I remember how I learned so much from my friends about music, fun places to hang out, makeup, and how to manage strong emotions when we were sad or anxious.

When I think of the deepest hurts in my life, they are centered around friendships. Rejection, gossip, feeling insecure or left out, letting someone down, or hurting them intentionally or unintentionally. The teenage years were the uncharted path of exploration into managing all of these feelings and the impact on your brain and the choices you made. At a very young age, I was fascinated by the slightest change in age, grade, or a move that could shift a friendship. I remember wondering when I entered 10th grade, which was the start of my high school experience, who would be in my classes, and who I would pal up with to manage things like my learner’s permit and prom. People whom I had never talked with the previous year became my closest friends because we took theatre together or found ourselves in the same math class.

As I moved from high school to college, college to wife and mom, and moved as a family, my friendships changed drastically. The expression, “make new friends and keep the old. One is silver, and the other is gold,” rang true for me. Although I could argue that they are both golden to me. They made their mark in my life, and it seemed that God always knew when I needed one friend to leave (and still be friends), and other times when I would meet a new friend that was just what I needed for what I was going through. God created us for connection and to be in community with each other. Even the strongest of introverts need conversations, connections, and support. So why does God, in all His authority and wisdom, call us friends?

 I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father, I have made known to you. John 15:15

Jesus experienced loneliness, betrayal, and rejection, so He knows the depths of emotions that we experience; yet, He would never disregard us or even slightly be annoyed with who we are and how we show up. He understands our struggles, having faced immense challenges during His time on earth, which allows Him to empathize with our pain and joy alike. He doesn’t have a list of pet peeves that He is working through, so He can muster up the energy to be with you fully and unconditionally, offering compassion and understanding at every moment. In times of distress, you can turn to Him with the assurance that He is always there, listening attentively, ready to uplift you and provide comfort. He is an actual, true friend whom you can place all your trust and hopes in without fail, a steadfast presence who walks alongside you through every trial and triumph, reminding you that you are never alone.

How can you deepen your relationship with Jesus in your daily life?

What steps can you take to cultivate a habit of prayer and communion with Him?

In what ways might you share this understanding of His love and comfort with those around you?