FRIENDSHIP.

I’m convinced that our soul’s greatest need extends far beyond the body’s requirements of food and shelter. Our greatest need is friendship in two forms for thriving…friendship with Jesus, and friendship with one another. With those set in place, I know you can journey through most anything the world throws at you…blessed deeply with friends rooted in Christ.

But think about what it takes. We see a million reasons not to open up our lives to be relational…we’re busy, have other demands on us, the house/apartment is cluttered, work is burdensome, no money, it requires vulnerability and trust, it’s messy, takes time…and let’s face it, who has margin these days? But the very thing we forfeit is what our souls crave most when we make room for everything else…except Jesus’ and each other’s friendship.

God-honoring friendships don’t compete, but complete, encourage and pray for one another. Yes, they require give and take, bearing hurts and hearts, shifting priorities, extending grace, forgiveness, humility, trust and presence…but those investments return texts that trigger belly-laughs at the most unexpected moments, emails that show up in tearful dark nights, surprise dinners in refrigerators, camaraderie in a curved smile across a room, celebrations, strength, peace, prayer and reciprocated presence when a soul most needs it. I know this first-hand because of loving friends.

So where do you begin to make friends and honor God? Commit yourself to a friendship with Jesus. Then be one, and be a good one. Show up. Get involved. Extend yourself. Love God, love others. It’s what God wants.