The Importance of Godly Friendships
Part of what I feel that this blog is going to turn into, is letting you into parts of my prayer journal. Or allowing my current prayers to prompt more writing — to challenge myself to create more, to expand on the thought, to get out of my comfort zone. After all, this is my corner of the internet + it doesn’t need to look a certain way! In fact, these posts are being written right on the website. There’s no editing process, there’s no peer-reviewing, it’s just whatever is on my heart, and communicated in however that spills out.
I am in Dallas this weekend with 5 of my closest friends. Normally we are a pack of 7, but one is currently serving in the Peace Corps in the Philippines. (Yes - Kennedy is amazing). This weekend, we are here celebrating Emilie, as she moves to Tokyo to pursue full-time ministry, in 18 days.
As I woke up this morning, I came to the kitchen for coffee + reveled in the fact that the first part of our morning together, would be quiet time. We greeted each other + then went off to different corners of the house, to spend time in the Word + in prayer. This daily drill has become such a priority in our personal everyday lives, that doing life together as friends means sharing in these routines.
As I sat with my own devotional, I couldn’t help but notice the answered prayer that this moment was. I have prayed for friendships rooted in Christ, I have prayed for friendships that would love Jesus above all else. These girls are that. Proverbs 27:17 reminds us that “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” We were created for friendships that would spur us on, encourage us, and sanctify us to look more like Jesus.
These girls have absolutely changed my life. They have become the standard for what friendship looks like. We honor each other, celebrate each other, + hold one another accountable. I know that I can come to them with any failure, any celebration, and they will meet me with a response that reflects Jesus’ heart.
If you are reading this, and do not relate to this post, maybe you’re thinking “I do NOT have friendships like this”, do not be disheartened. My friendships certainly did not always look like this. It wasn’t until I truly reflected on the type of friend that I am, (+ prayed through the changes I needed to make) that I was able to even create space for these types of relationships.
In fact, I would encourage you to make Biblical friendship a priority in your own quiet time. Study what Jesus has to say about it. Study what friendship looked like + how Christ was the best friend. He is the standard for what true friendship looks like.
Friend, I pray that you will experience fellowship that honors God. That you would feel celebrated, held accountable + safe in the friendships that you pursue. That these relationships would spur you on, challenge you + feel like a glimpse of heaven on display on this side of eternity. I pray that you would be this type of friend and that you would not settle for anything less.
Here’s some scripture to cling to as you study Biblical friendship + pray for His provision of this in your own life.
“A sweet friendship refreshes the soul.” Proverbs 27:9
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” 1 Thess 5:11
“Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” 1 Cor 15:33
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Col 3:13
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” Psalm 133:1
Cheering you on + praying this Truth over you.
Xx
Annika
