Think of a friend who has encouraged you in your faith.
Who comes to mind? Maybe it’s someone who prayed for you during a difficult situation, or someone who provided a listening ear when your heart was broken, or celebrated with you when God blessed you. These friendships are gifts from God that remind us we were never meant to walk this life alone.
Billy Graham once wrote, “The human soul is a lonely thing. It must have the assurance of companionship. Left entirely to itself, it cannot enjoy anything.” From the very beginning, God said, “It is not good that man should be alone” (Genesis 2:18). We were created to be connected with one another through deep, meaningful, Christ-centered friendships.
The truest friendships are those rooted in Christ. These are bonds that are stronger than hobbies or shared interests. In Christ, we are united as members of one body. While the world tells us to always “look out for yourself,” God wants us to bear each other’s burdens, to encourage one another, and to love one another sincerely.
These friendships aren’t just for a season in life, but they’re eternal. Billy Graham reminded us that only Christ can bind human hearts together in genuine, Christ-like love. And when we walk in that kind of love, we reflect the very heart of God to the people around us.
If you have a Christian friend who has been a blessing to your walk with God, why not take intentional time together to strengthen that bond? Invite them to join you for a retreat at The Cove: a place for rest, prayer, and fellowship. Plan your visit together at thecove.org/events.