Got to love the summer, right? Heat. Humidity. Perspiration. And then, you step into a cool shower. Simply refreshing, isn’t it? That’s exactly how I feel about friendship. 

For my 40th birthday, I was able to celebrate it with the special ladies God placed in my life in the eleven years I’ve lived in Texas. Coming home to New York, I have been able to spend quality time with childhood and college friends. In each situation, the conversations, laughter, and tears have led me to walk away feeling energized, strengthened, and reinvigorated.

I’m reminded of Jesus’ life as He traveled to many places during His time of ministry. When He wanted to relax and rest, we read how he went to Bethany to the home of Lazarus, Martha, and Mary. Jesus received hospitality and love in the genuine friendships He had with these siblings. And when He left their home, He was ready to face what lay before Him.

What a powerful impact friendship has on one’s life, outlook, and purpose!

But such a relationship doesn’t just happen overnight. It is built on important principles which we need to be intentional about:

LOVE: “A friend loves at all times” (Proverbs 17:17)

HONESTY: “.. speaking the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15)

SACRIFICE: “Greater love has no one than this: to lay one’s life down for one’s friends.” (John 15:13)

CHALLENGING TO BE THE BEST: “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17)

Praying your friendships soothe your hearts in this manner and that we remember to invest in these special relationships. “A sweet friendship refreshes the soul” (Proverbs 27:19)

~Joyce