What comes to mind when the word "friendship" is mentioned? Is there a distinct image painted in each of our hearts? Could it be influenced by our age or past experiences?
Reflecting on this, my youngest daughter's friendships involve constant communication through platforms like Snapchat, Tik Tok, Instagram, and FaceTime. They effortlessly follow each other's lives in intricate detail. In contrast, my teenage years with my friend Linda meant stolen Friday evenings perched by the breakfast bar, holding a phone's mouthpiece that dangled from the wall. We had a strict time limit for our conversations.
Back then, our friendship relied on in-person interactions in the school playground or over shared moments with sponge cake and custard in the dining hall. Each moment spent together was cherished.
In today's digital age, some measure the depth of their friendships by the number of followers on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook. Seeking validation through likes, they showcase their lives for all to see. However, despite numerous birthday wishes, they may lack real connections for laughter, crisis support, and comfort in times of heartache.
Personally, I may not have many close friends in proximity, but those I have, I would walk through fire for, and they for me. Despite living in different places, our reunions are marked by deep conversations, shared laughter, and a comfortable silence. Our friendships are easy, devoid of expectations, filled only with delight and joy when we are together.
True friendships, I believe, are precious gifts. We should treasure those who stand by us, cheer us on, and love us unconditionally. Genuine friends appreciate inner beauty, the impact of uplifting words, the power of a smile, and the significance of thoughtful gestures. While social media can induce feelings of inadequacy and comparison, friends in close proximity encourage personal growth, champion our endeavors, and challenge us positively.
As a concluding thought, I want to emphasize the friendship we have with our Beautiful Savior. Unlike human relationships, His love is perfect and unwavering. He sees and loves us despite our flaws, pursues us in times of brokenness, restores us in pain, forgives and renews us in our shortcomings. His love is unconditional and freely given.
The verses from 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NLT describe the qualities of love, urging us to exhibit patience, kindness, humility, and forgiveness in our relationships. Ultimately, our Beautiful Savior's friendship is a model for us all.
In the end, I pose a question: What kind of friend are you?
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