I reconnected recently with two old friends, one I had known since childhood, and another that I knew in college. Both of these reconnections were made possible by Facebook. Ironically, I was reluctant to join Facebook initially. I felt like it would be an imposition upon my life, so I resisted for a while. When I finally gave in to the peer pressure and set up my account, I found that it was an easy and fun way to keep in touch with friends, both old and new.
When I read the epistles that Paul wrote to various churches, letters that make up the bulk of our New Testament, I can’t help but notice the tender words that he has for the people in these churches.
“I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all.” (Romans 1:9)
“(I) do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers.” (Ephesians 1:16)
“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you.” (Philippians 1:3)
These are the words of a man who loved his friends deeply, who understood how vital true friendships are. Paul even gives the occasional shout out to specific people in his letters. Imagine, these are names that made it into the every word of God, simply because they were friends of Paul.
Our friendships can be a sustaining force in our lives. Our friends can challenge us, encourage us. They hold us when we are grieving, laugh with us when we are celebrating. As a naturally introverted person, I sometimes struggle with opening up to people, even friends I have known for years. I tend to hold my feelings inside. But as a result, I sometimes miss out on some of the joys and benefits that friendship holds.
I’m glad I caved into the peer pressure and opened my Facebook account. I’m glad I had the opportunity to reconnect with those two different ladies, who each added more fullness to my life through friendship.
So then, in this way, my dearly loved brothers,
my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord, dear friends.
Philippians 4:1
When I read the epistles that Paul wrote to various churches, letters that make up the bulk of our New Testament, I can’t help but notice the tender words that he has for the people in these churches.
“I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all.” (Romans 1:9)
“(I) do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers.” (Ephesians 1:16)
“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you.” (Philippians 1:3)
These are the words of a man who loved his friends deeply, who understood how vital true friendships are. Paul even gives the occasional shout out to specific people in his letters. Imagine, these are names that made it into the every word of God, simply because they were friends of Paul.
Our friendships can be a sustaining force in our lives. Our friends can challenge us, encourage us. They hold us when we are grieving, laugh with us when we are celebrating. As a naturally introverted person, I sometimes struggle with opening up to people, even friends I have known for years. I tend to hold my feelings inside. But as a result, I sometimes miss out on some of the joys and benefits that friendship holds.
I’m glad I caved into the peer pressure and opened my Facebook account. I’m glad I had the opportunity to reconnect with those two different ladies, who each added more fullness to my life through friendship.
So then, in this way, my dearly loved brothers,
my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord, dear friends.
Philippians 4:1
