We Need Each Other

"Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another..." Hebrews 10:25 NIV

"Let's see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do, but spurring each other on..."
Hebrews 10:25 The Message


Life goes so much more smoothly with the oil of friendship. Without it, life can be a squeaky wheel hitting all the ruts...

There is a way of thinking that says, "I can do it myself. I don't need anyone else. They won't do it right anyway. Friendship takes too much time and effort. I can't trust anyone but myself". I used to think that way. Hurt a few times, fiercely independent, maybe with a little too much personal pride...it was easier to rely on no one but myself. Anyway, I was too busy to make time for telephone chats, spontaneous visits, planned social events....I was a working mom after all (at least, that was my excuse!)

That way of thinking has an impact. When tough times hit, there is no one to support you. When you hit a roadblock, there is no one to encourage you. When fun or exciting or joyous things happen, there is no one to share in it with you. And you miss out on the pleasures of providing those wonderful gifts for others, too.

Sometimes, it does take a little inventiveness and creativity to meet up, encourage one another and help each other. Yesterday, I wanted to run with a friend who had no sitter and her husband was away. We were both working all day, and only had about an hour in which it might be even possible. So instead of admitting defeat, I looked for a way to accomplish it...my husband agreed to watch the kids (the kids were thrilled with a playdate!), I prepared supper that morning so we could arrive and run back out the door, and presto, I helped, encouraged and had a wonderful time running with my friend. I felt good about it all....instead of feeling rushed and frustrated and lonely, as I might have felt. And the smile on my friend's face was worth the effort!

Jesus, help me to look for new friendships, and to treasure my old friendships. Help me to invest some time and energy into my friends, knowing that we will encourage, love, support and help each other through the journey of life. Change my old way of thinking into a new understanding that you call us to live in relationship with each other. Send your Spirit so that I will not be afraid to take a step in this direction. Amen

Life Step: Be creative, and find a new way of being encouraging, helpful, supportive or loving, to an old friend this week. Look for an opportunity that God may be giving you to make a new friend.

More of His Healing Word: Ecclesiastes 4:9-10; John 15:15b