Friendships

Everyone needs to feel that they belong, are accepted, and fit in somewhere. We were created for community with those around us and with God. When I was young, I learned this little poem, “Make new friends but keep the old, one is silver and the other gold.”

The friends that I have known the longest (old friends) have seen me in various stages and challenges of life. They stuck around when things were tough. I show my most vulnerable self to the people closest to me. My new friends add an ever-expanding depth and variety to my life, fresh input and perspective.

I have been blessed to make friends with people from various countries and cultures through our years in overseas missions. Each person and culture is unique and has something special to offer in friendship. I have learned so much from them. I like to think of it like the anointing oil that the priests in the Old Testament were anointed with. It was a special mixture of various spices. Our friendships are like a special blend that contributes to who we are and how we experience life. They are also a support for us on multiple levels. I felt like I was immersed in love, encouragement, and support during my recent trip to the Philippines. What a blessing to catch up with so many friends and ministry partners.

We all need to feel like we belong. God offers us this even before we are born. Ephesians 1:4-6, “For He chose us in Him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in His sight. In love He predestined us to be adopted through Jesus Christ for Himself, according to His favor and will, to the praise of His glorious grace that He favored us with in the Beloved.”

Genuinely happy and contented people will attribute their well-being first to God and then to their friends and family. While everyone has an emotional need for love and belonging, the level of that need may vary from person to person. Some are perfectly content with a few close friends while others thrive on being loved and accepted by a wide variety of people. Be thankful for your friendship and show yourself friendly to others.

I love this quote from Mother Teresa, “If you judge people, you have no time to love them.”   

“Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.” 2 Timothy 1:14