God chose us to be relational human beings. Too often, we miss out on how to build good Christian friendships because we are caught up in our doings. Let’s invest more into His precious gift of friendships.
How to Build Lasting Godly Friendships
Dead Tree Stumps are the Foundation of All Friendships
If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. – Ecclesiastes 4:10
I bet you are probably scratching your head at the title of this devotional. Okay, Jen, you have really gone off the deep end. But I kid you not. Dead tree stumps should be at the root of all our friendships. Underground, each and every tree is connected to one another by its roots. They share water, and nutrients, and can communicate with each other.
It really does sound like a whole different world, but it is true. If one tree dies, you will notice another one close by doing the exact same thing. They are dependent on each other.
For instance, if a pine tree is cut down, signals are sent out to surrounding trees. “S.0.S., some bearded man in worn-out red flannel just cut me in half with an ax!” Other trees receive this signal and immediately begin sending sap to the hurt one.
Recently, I learned that pine sap possesses natural antiseptic properties and contains an anti-inflammatory agent.
Helping in a time of need
The other trees want nothing more but to help and heal the wounded tree. And since the stump is left intact, so are the roots. This means little saplings will soon spring up from the earth. Following the root line of the injured tree.
Isn’t it amazing? Every single creation of God is beautifully designed.
Jesus taught us to be life-giving friends and, as believers in Christ, we should be friendly and look for those who are hurting and in need. While the appearance of our friends may look put together on the outside, on the inside (where we don’t see), they could be sending out silent S.O.S. signals.
If we are superficial greeters, we easily miss the opportunity to speak life-giving and healing sap (God’s word) into them.
Learning to be better friends
Today, let’s press into our friendships, including those we consider acquaintances. And simply be on God’s community outreach team. Let’s take the time to listen when we ask, “How are you?”
There is no greater friendship than a sweet one that refreshes the soul (Proverbs 27:9). Let’s step out boldly to make lasting Godly friendships.
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Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another…”
Let’s Pray
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for giving me such a vibrant community of friends. I praise You for the people you have blessed me with, the ones who have come alongside me to love, encourage, support, and uplift me through all the twists and turns of life. I’m so grateful I get to walk beside each of them. Help me to continue to sow into each of my friends, so that they may see examples of love. Continue to clothe me in compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
In all this, we ask in your precious name – Amen.
Read More on Jen Schreiner
- How to Move Forward When You Feel Stuck
- Recognizing Our True Enemy: A Call to Focus on Faith
- The Power of Godly Friendships – 5 Key Qualities
- Why Isn’t God Answering My Prayers
- 5 Astonishing Facts About God
Notes: Weeden, M. (2021, Sept 2) How do Trees Communicate. Article Found here https://onetreeplanted.org/blogs/stories/how-do-trees-communicate
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