{Life In The Spirit} Friendships.

Written By: Rachel Shaw

Matthew 18:20 “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

I was in total shock when my best friends began telling me their future plans to move to the other side of the world. I thought they were kidding and I wish they were. I love how close we live to each other. I love being able to meet for breakfast on Saturday mornings, or spending a day at the mall. Sometimes I wish we didn’t have to grow up and become adults.

Sometimes I wish we could spend more time together, just like when we were kids. The more I thought about it, I came to realize how much God has blessed me through so many friendships. God designed and specifically placed each of my best friends in my life for many reasons. As I look at all of my friendships, I listed all the ways that God has worked in my life through my friends:

-Encouragement

-Prayer

-Love

-Fun memories

-Words of affirmation

-Sense of belonging

-Empowerment

-Laughter

God had created our human nature for relationship. We were not meant to live this life alone. I have been very blessed to have so many meaningful friendships in my life and blessed with friends that have been there for me in the good times, and also through the bad.

I am so thankful that many of my closest friends are believers and encourage my walk with Christ. I encourage each of you to surround yourselves with other strong Christians, so you can learn and grow together. Help each other in your journey with Christ and be accountable to each other. Love and serve each other, setting an example for those around you.

Enjoy your friendships and take advantage of your opportunities to be together right now because the opportunity may not be there forever. Pray for them and appreciate their commitment to you and to the Lord.

Thank You, Lord, for designing us for friendships. I am so thankful for the wonderful people You have placed in my life to encourage me and to challenge me to bring glory to You. Thank You for them, and I pray that they are empowered to live a life for You.

I pray all things in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Until Next Time,

~Rachel