Real Friends: Healing Through Friendships
Everyone one of us has been hurt in the past and we all seek to be known and understood by others. God didn’t create us to live in isolation, but to live in relationship with our spiritual family, even if there are differing opinions or perspectives. We can still agree that God is good and loves people so much that it is inconceivable to us, really.
We want to experience deep love and understanding with God, as well as others. God designed us this way. When we have been hurt we build walls to prevent being hurt again. We want to protect ourselves from the pain of losing a relationship, being the subject of gossip, or someone breaking a confidence. In fact the people closest to you are the ones where the wounds can cut the deepest. While boundaries are wise, walls can potentially cut off places of healing.
During a season of incredible disappointment, sadness and pain, a few friends would regularly reach out and just check in to see how I was doing. They didn’t ask a lot of questions, but would just reinforce that they were there to listen. In those moments of crushing, I turned to God and allowed a few friends into the inner spaces of my heart. Sometimes the text messages would become novels and the phone calls just crying sessions. Those times of kindness have been invaluable to me in knowing that Jesus is walking with me and also His friends here on the earth. These few friends broke down walls I unknowingly had where I felt safe being messy and vulnerable. Knowing I was not carrying the burdens alone and they would pray whether or not I asked helped lighten the load so many times and accelerated my healing.
The most incredible thing about these friends was they loved at all times (Prov. 17:17) and showed me the kindness of Jesus contrary to the seemingly cruelty of crises or circumstances. Often, in really desperate moments, I would receive a text stating “checking in” without the pressure to respond or do something amazing. Friends would show the kindness of God by not just listening, regardless of how messy, but then remind you that God is a God of hope leads you right to Jesus. In some cases it was a sacrifice of love, time, energy, but having friends that don’t quit on you and love you at all times show you the goodness of God. Interestingly, I think I only received a prophetic word a couple of times during this healing journey. However, they showed up consistently and that broke through walls and allowed the healing love of Jesus to flow into my heart.
Now, I have determined to be that kind of friend for others to the best of my ability. I have learned the power of love to heal, maybe not through a grand gesture, but in the simple love of Jesus.
Father, I pray that we love at all times, reach out to those who are hurting, and show up the best we can to bring healing for others. Let us have our ears open to hear their pain without judging it and instead learn how to walk in even greater love. We want to be like Abraham, who was your friend, and help us to lay our lives down for others as you laid down your life for us Jesus. No greater love has anyone than to lay their lives down for their friends. Let us rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep. Help us to be vessels of comfort and uplift others by reminding them of your goodness. Thank You Lord that you and good and your mercy endures forever.
Father, please show us someone you would like us to reach out to today to encourage and uplift them, ultimately leading them to You as the Healer and the Restorer in Jesus’ name.
Reflective Questions:
1) How have I been shown love by someone reaching out during a really challenging time in my life?
2) How has that changed my perspective of God, myself and others?
3) Who can I trust who will love me, listen and pray for me?
4) How can I be a true friend of God and be His friend to others on the earth that you have put on my heart?
Suggested Reading: 2 Samuel 9, Romans 12:15-16, Galatians 6:1-2, John 15:11-15, Proverbs 17:17
