Friendship and Community

Today a friend and I made plans to grab lunch at our cafeteria at school. What started out as a quick lunch with a friend turned into an hour and half lunch with us talking about our struggles. We both have been through a lot recently and both of us had a lot to say. At the end of our lunch we prayed for each other, made plans to see one another tomorrow, and then went our separate ways. During our time together we talked a lot about how God is working in our lives and some of our struggles with Him. During that time, I learned more about myself and steps I should take to get closer to the Lord. 

This is a great example of the importance of friendship and community. In Matthew 18:20 it says, "For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them." Here Jesus is saying that sometimes it is better to pray and gather in His name then to be alone. I could list off for you so many examples from my life where this is true. Some of the best moments I have had with God were during times with friends when either having a bible study or just having a conversation about God. What I have discovered is that God is so good at using people you trust and are close to to talk through to you. After all, aren't those the people that mean the most to you and whom you know want nothing but the best for you?

This just goes to show how important friendships are. God built us in a way where we need and hunger for community and without it, we would be completely lost. I encourage you that the next time you are with a close friend or someone you love, just thank them for being there for you. Tell them how much they mean to you and how thankful you are for their friendship. At first it may feel a little uncomfortable, (it's a pretty deep conversation!) but I guarantee they will be so thankful for you kind words and your friendship will grow on a deeper level. Also, don't let those little moments with friends pass you by. God makes each moment in our lives count and if you let the little moments pass by, you will be missing out on something grand. It's the conversations like I had today, and many days in the past, that have done some much for my walk with Christ. If I didn't take the time to thank the Lord for sending me that friend, I would be missing out on God's message for me that day.

-LauraK