Friendship

 Friendship is a relationship with another person where both feel deep affection, empathy, compassion, selflessness, and trust.

Franz Schubert, a classical Austrian composer penned these wise words: “Happy is the man who finds a true friend, and far happier is he who finds that true friend in his wife.” Happiest, I say, is the one who has God for a friend.

I didn’t always have that in my life. But God is gracious and gave me many earthly friends. He has also invited me into the circle of his friendship. On my best days, I identify as both a beloved son in whom God is pleased, and a friend of God. Sheer grace to me!

How do you identify with God? Other than I’m saved and going to heaven, reflect about your attachment to God. What’s it like? What do you believe God thinks of you?

I am fortunate to have deep friendships. I think of one now that has lasted over four decades. It’s still going strong. I met him when he shared the good news with me. He has been a good model of what friendship is as defined above.

I’ve also been amazingly blessed by my many friendships when I was on staff with KNCSB. My co-workers in the gospel are my friends whom I love dearly. Even more, I am loved by them. They’ve shown me compassion, patience, and true friendship.

In friendship with God and others we experience joy and freedom to share what’s on our hearts. We let our hair down. We’re not afraid to be who we truly are. Warts and all. No pretense. We always have our friends’ best interest at heart.

Our friendships are dynamic. They grow. This is true in close human friendships and in our friendship with God.

Growing our friendship with God includes conversation, communion, and loving and secure attachment. We begin by learning to listen and talk. We connect more deeply by sharing our struggles and pain. We become attached to God when we have the same mind: “let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.”

It’s a joyous epiphany when our friendship with God and others flourish.

Friendship with God is embedded in the Gospel. We enter the kingdom when Jesus opens our eyes. We assume the status of apprentices and servants. In time he relates to us more intimately, “I no longer call you servants but friends” (John 15:15). It’s an amazing gift.

Look at these six elements of a deep and authentic friendship with God and others. How do you connect with them?

1.     Friends spend time together

2.     Friends deepen their knowledge of one another

3.     Friends learn and grow to be more honest and transparent

4.     Friends practice the art of being good listeners

5.     Friends give breathing room to one another as the friendship matures

6.     Friends enjoy each other’s company even if they remain silent

How do you need to grow in your friendship with God? Where do you start? Talk to him about everything. Ask through the day, “Lord, what’s next?” Keep the conversation open and going. Intimacy grows. You receive the grace to know the mind of God.

That’s how friendship is.