When we think about our faith or our relationship with God, we normally see it as something personal. In a similar way, when we think about our friendship with someone, we see it as something that is just between us and the other person. What we often fail to realize is that God plays a part in our friendships, and it is only with God that true friendship can develop. God allows us to grow close to people for a reason, and the resulting friendships are a way for us to come to a better understanding of His presence in our lives. In many ways, friendship aids us in our journey of faith through the love we both give and receive. True friendship is a rarity and when found it must be treasured, protected, and cultivated by those who share it.
It seems almost impossible for me to envision where I would be in life without the help and guidance of my dear friends. Each of them has brought me closer to God in their own beautiful and unique way. Some have shown me the Lord’s unending compassion for humanity in their selfless actions and seemingly endless capacity to love. Others have aided me discovering my purpose through their considerate and genuine advice. God blesses us with these people in our lives so that we can see His Holy Spirit working around us each day. The true friendship that I have experienced in my life has shown me that I am never alone in my journey of faith. The closer we grow to God, the greater capacity we have to love each other and grow in friendship.
While we are so blessed to have these influential and loving people in our lives, we are also called to recognize our own role in a true friendship. A popular Bible verse reads “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13, NASB) Though it can have a very extreme connotation, this verse can also be applied to our everyday lives. An important message within this verse is the need for sacrifice. In any form of love, romantic or friendship, sacrifice is necessary to grow. We sacrifice countless things for our friends, such as our time and wants, in order to show them that we love them. The more we sacrifice within a friendship, the more we are given in terms of grace and love. By sacrificing in our own ways, we learn to let our actions constantly remind our friends of God’s love for them. Just as they help us and bring light to our lives in so many ways, we must show them the same kindness.
True friendship has such an enriching factor. Together, two people work to remind each other of who they are striving to be, even at low points, and never let each other stray from their goals. They keep each other on track towards holiness, and remind each other of God’s grace in their lives. The utter joy and happiness that friendship brings into one’s life is inexpressible; it truly transcends any that we would have in solidarity. We must hold fast to our friendships and allow them to bring this richness and goodness into our lives even when we don’t realize that we need it.
Always remember that your friendships shape you as a person, and this should be for the best. A best friend will be one who is drawing you to Christ through their actions and their friendship with you. We are called, as Christians and as humans, to love each other. We do not need to be best friends with everyone and it is very important for us to look at our friendships and where they are leading us. If that direction is away from the goodness and true joy that you are working towards, then take a step back. Continue to love and pray for all of your friends, but be strong in your faith and do not be led away from it. Pray for the guidance and the strength to be the best friend that you can be, and for a heart that is open to all of the love that God gives through your true friends.
