Making Friendships a Priority - The Crosswalk Devotional - April 15
Making Friendships a Priority
By Emily Rose Massey
“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion.” - Ecclesiastes 4:9 NIV
Have you ever heard a statistic that just seemed to leave an imprint on your heart? Recently, I heard someone say 80% of babies in orphanages die because of a lack of compassionate, physical touch. Being a mom of three little ones, this statement obviously hurts my tender momma heart.
It does not take very long to see our children’s independence start to blossom. Understanding my little ones won’t always be small, I try to take advantage of all the cuddles and snuggles I can get. I know this has only strengthened my bond with my boys. Even medical professionals urge moms of newborns to enjoy times of “skin to skin,” which also aids in mother/baby bonding. Science has proven the release of Oxytocin, the “love drug,” occurs with physical touch and creates a lasting bond between humans.
As I let images of lonely, unloved little ones in those orphanages run through my mind, I begin to wonder: Do we ever outgrow the need for physical connection and affection? In the age of hyper-technology and social media, we can communicate with anyone and everyone from around the globe, around the clock. It’s obvious people still enjoy connecting with one another, not just as networking partners, but as in-person friends. (Right, Facebook?) But are we truly connected? Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 tells us the value of a friend:
“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor.
For if they fall, one will lift up his companion.
But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up.
Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm;
But how can one be warm alone?
Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him.
And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” - NIV
Over the years, especially after becoming a mom, I have to admit that I’ve relied on social media and texting to keep my friendships going. Although convenient, I have often wondered why I’ve felt short-changed relationally. The reason is that my friendships on social media — merely texting my friends — never allow them to pick me up when I fall or hold me when I’m “cold.” The warmth of a hug, a shoulder to cry on, or hands to hold when fervently praying for one another simply cannot be found online. No, we can only find that kind of affection face-to-face, enjoying the physical presence of a beloved friend.
Intersecting Faith and Life:
I challenge you to join me in intentionally spending in-person time with friends. Keep the coffee date on your calendar (don’t cancel it again!), go on a shopping trip with friends (even if it’s just window shopping), or cook dinner with married friends (and put the phones away to enjoy mealtime conversation together!). Consider booking a flight to visit a long-distance friend for the weekend! It’s easy to say we “don’t have the time.” But it’s time to invest in friendships to see them flourish into lasting bonds that could last a lifetime, all for God’s glory. If a friendship lasts longer than seven years, psychologists say it will last a lifetime. Now, that’s a statistic worth striving for!
Let’s make it a priority to cultivate long-lasting friendships we can physically connect with on our journey, not just those we network with on social media. The friends we grow alongside, walking hand in hand, hold us up when we are weak as we seek to follow Christ. Let’s be those kinds of friends.
Further Reading:
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Simon Lehmann
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