The Power of Friendship

I never much gave thought the fact that Jesus had men with Him all the time. I guess if you just take the Word at face value, you read that Jesus was a man who had 12 disciples and many followers. I realized I'd been missing the point the entire time.

I've noticed lately how little time I spend with my friends. If not by email or phone, I'd rarely keep in contact with any of them. I found out the greatest news from one friend today by her blog, and I learned of how another friend's life changed just in the past month by Facebook. Whether you take it as I have or not, it is time I start making time. I realize that people say when you get married that your spouse becomes your best friend, and BELIEVE ME, mine has. However, I don't think anywhere in Scripture or by common sense does it say to put your friends aside. It actually states, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends (John 15:13)."

How have I given of myself lately? I mean, not just to my friends but to my family and husband lately, what exactly have I laid down? I'll tell you what. A WHOLE LOT OF NOTHING. It's disappointing really because as a child of Christ I should be on the front lines of friendship, offering myself in any way I can. But I haven't. I can't remember the last time I spoke with Mimi. I haven't talked to Amanda since about a month ago only to tell her I was pregnant. Alicia and I used to be inseparable, and I can't tell you the last time we were in the same room. As for Becca, she and I meet on occasion at events and on the phone, but have I really showed how much I care? Leslie and I talk twice a year, once on my birthday and then a month later on hers. Brittany and I haven't seen each other since my wedding, and yes, that's been almost 10 months ago (I still have a gift for you for doing the guest table, by the way). Mardi and I lost contact and it's mostly my fault. Some of my dearest friends I've totally and utterly let down.

I'm not saying all of this to throw a pity party or get attention for myself, what I mean by all of this is that while shopping for birthday cards today, I was hit with the fact that I allow my friends to be seasonal... What do I mean by that? Well, it's easy... Many of us do it. As humans, we don't understand or even know HOW to "love thee with an everlasting love," as in Jeremiah 31:3. But Jesus walked with His disciples almost every day until He was crucfied, even when they slept and later denied Him. He DIED so that they (and we) could have life. He never once left his disciples, his beloved which means "deeply treasured", his friends behind. That's everlasting, unconditional, and timeless. Is that what I have with my friends? Is that the kind of friend I've been willing to be?

What about to my family? Have I forsaken them? Yes, at times. Have I left them behind? Yes, often. Have I ignored them? Yes, too many times to tell. Have they ever ONCE left me behind? No, never. I've been blessed with the most spiritual, loving, and gracious family I could ever have. I just now can see that as I've grown older. But I still distance myself. I don't know why, but I do. The Word says, "Truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son, Jesus Christ (1st John 1:3)." If I don't fellowship with you, then our friendships aren't strong at all. I have to take time to make my friendships as Jesus Christ made His own. Who have you forsaken today? Have you called that friend that truly needs one? Did you listen when your friend called for help? Were you there for those little things, not just the special occasions, in your friends' lives? I pray that God will help me and us become more aware of how blessed we are with friendships and love. It is one of the most special relationships we have, not just for our benefit, but to lead our friends to Christ.

Becoming a Faithful Friend,
Jenna