We live in a world populated by over seven billion people but many people still live in isolation and loneliness. You cannot live a fulfilled life without connection. God created you to need others. The first time God voiced His disapproval in scripture was when Adam was unable to find someone to connect with.
There are three foundational things you need to remember about friendship:
Friendship is God’s idea
Our desire for friendship is not a sign of weakness; it is a reflection of our ‘God-nature’. Even God needed a friend so He created Adam for His companionship. Enoch, Abraham and Moses were specifically named as friends of God. Jesus called His disciples ‘friends’ and the Holy Spirit is constantly seeking companionship with us.
Friendship with God chooses our other friendships for us
When God wants to enrich your life, He often sends a person into your life as a catalyst. He sent Jonathan to David and Naomi to Ruth. I can think of a number of people whom God has brought into my life at pivotal times to jump-start a new season in my life. However, not all friendships are God-ordained. When the devil wants to distracts you, he often sends someone into your life. He sent Delilah to Samson and Lot to Abraham.
A close friendship with God will put all your other friendships into perspective. Be friendly to everyone but choose carefully whom you admit into your inner circle. Jesus came close to those seeking God but kept far away from rebellious people. Who you walk with will determine whether God can walk with you. Your inner circle are the people you will seek counsel from in a crisis so they need to be saying what God is saying. The friends you keep are a testimony of who you are and prophecy of your future.
Friendships are for a reason
When God sends people into your life, He does it for a reason. We get frustrated with our relationships when we misunderstand the purposes of God. Don’t try to make a friendship what it was not meant to be. You will only get hurt and hurt others. Try to discern the purpose of a friendship and enjoy it, rather than trying to extract from a relationship what it was not designed to give you.
My next post, ‘What are friends for?’ will help you identify and maximise the purpose of your various friendships.
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