Two-minute read.
Difficult times test friendships, but true friends will weather the storm with you. God places friends in our lives to help us through life’s challenges. My first best friend remains one of my best friends. I love saying, “Our mothers were pregnant together!” Born six months, almost to the day, before me, I had no idea when we played house in her attic of the roller coaster life would take us on, but riding it together has made it better. I thank the Lord for placing her in my life and for giving me a lifelong friend who goes the distance.
Over the years, the Creator has added to my bouquet of friends. From every stage of life, I’ve acquired another beautiful flower. Going through the trials of life forged a friendship in ways nothing else will. From persevering through college days to flying the skies and serving peanuts as a flight attendant, the Lord gave me special people in each chapter. When I gave Jesus authority over my adult heart, He brought fellow believers into my life to spur me onward.
My closest friendships have Christ at the center, the cord that binds us like nothing else. We strive to honor and serve the Savior together. Praying for each other helps us overcome the mountains we face. Holding each other accountable allows us to grow and mature in our faith. Showing up for each other in the storm, we become God’s hands and feet, offering an anchor to keep us on course. Friends celebrate each other’s victories and cry over each other’s losses. Developing Christ-centered friendships helps us live life to the fullest as we cheer each other on to victory.
To have good friends, we must become a good friend. The Savior shows us how to develop healthy relationships by leading with grace and mercy, loving unconditionally, and putting their needs before ours, paving the way for strong connections. As we apply Jesus’s teachings to our lives, we will quickly discover how to cultivate healthy relationships with God and others. As the golden rule says, treat others as you would like them to treat you. If you want meaningful relationships, develop them.
Troubles will come, and when you have a bouquet of friends around you, they will help you survive the storm. Showing up for others in their storms creates lasting connections. Loving people takes work, but it has the greatest rewards. Submitting your life to Jesus develops a friendship that will lead you along the right path, helping you grow your garden and fill it with friendships that will last long after this life ends.
Journal Questions:
Who has God placed in your life that has proven a good friend?
How do you develop healthy friendships?
In what way has Jesus helped you grow your garden of relationships?
Application:
Thank God for companionship.
