Orethapedia

Holy Week reminds us about the true intimacy and friendship we should have with folks in our lives.

Whatever the reason, once intimacy begins to wane, it can become hard to get back on track. One of the keys to reconnecting is understanding that intimacy is a multifaceted thing. If spiritual intimacy is high, then the other types of intimacy, though they will have seasons of greater or lesser intensity, will have a certain level of natural resiliency. Spiritual intimacy comes from being in the word together, praying for one another, and worshiping together.

Instagram breaks our lives down to simple hearts. Just because someone likes your pictures or comments on your status, that does not give you true friendship. We need common contact. We need real time.

True friendship takes time. True friendship involves  a real relationship. Those mutual attributes become the foundation in which recognition transpires into relationship. Genuine friendship involves a shared sense of caring and concern, a desire to see one another grow and develop, and a hope for each other to succeed in all aspects of life. True friendship involves action: doing something for someone else while expecting nothing in return; sharing thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment or negative criticism.

Jesus garnered true friendship with the Apostles. He looked out for them. They looked out for him. True friendship requires certain accountability factors. Real friends encourage one another and forgive one another where there has been an offense. Genuine friendship supports during times of struggle. Friends are dependable. In true friendship, unconditional love develops. We love our friends no matter what and we always want the best for our friends.

Real and true friendship involves freedom of choice, accountability, truth, and forgiveness. Peter and Jesus give us this example: Peter, afraid for his life after Jesus is led away from the Garden of Gethsemane, denies knowing Jesus. As He is led away by His accusers, Jesus casts a look toward Peter that says, “I knew you would deny Me, and I forgive you”  

Today lives are ruined on Facebook. It’s not okay.

Relationships in real life involve different levels of friendships, and that’s okay. But humans are designed by God for lasting relationships. Often our isolationist society offers only vague, empty relationships. God wants us to have friends here on earth. Most of all, He wants us to be friends with Him! 

The increasing mobility of our culture has made lifelong friends a rare commodity. Even when we stay in one place for a long time, the rapid pace of life makes it difficult to carve out time for building and sustaining friendship. Social media may help us connect with old classmates and distant relatives, but it also poses an electronic barrier to the kinds of practices most necessary to deep friendship. If we have ever needed wisdom regarding friendship, it is now. Quality trumps quantity, when it comes to friendship. Social media gives false hope.One of the most important principles is the principle of mutuality. Friendship is a two-way street. In any true friendship, both persons contribute. Each person benefits. To have a friend, you must be a friend. Friends know when to speak and when to be silent.

Do you need a friend?

God wants to be your true friend. Are you longing for companionship? God is always with you. Who do you know who needs a true friend today?

God wants you to befriend others.

He calls us to be His hands and feet in a world starving for true friendship.