25 years ago, people averaged 3 close friends.
Then came Facebook, Twitter, and scores of online social networks.
Now people average 60 close friends, right? Wrong. Studies show we’re down to 2.
We need to understand that while social media friends can be a good thing,(1) we also need real life relationships.
And healthy friendships take time and effort, commitment and consideration:
- Answering friends’ emails and returning their phone calls.
- Scheduling time with them, not just assuming it will happen.
- Listening, not just talking; giving, not just taking.
- Cutting back on work, sports, and TV at times.
"As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." Proverbs 27:17
We need close friends who will cry with us, rejoice with us, and tell us hard truths when we need to hear them.
If you’ve neglected a friendship, do something about it today!
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(1) Social media relationships are good when they are honest. Many times people falsely present themselves on social media.
You'll also enjoy these 1-minute devotions about friendships:
Making Friendship a Priority
Biblical Friendships
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(1) Social media relationships are good when they are honest. Many times people falsely present themselves on social media.
You'll also enjoy these 1-minute devotions about friendships:
Making Friendship a Priority
Biblical Friendships
Bible Love Notes
Friendships are so important. So many of us today are lonely because we are too busy to take the time and commitment to be a friend to others. Everyone needs a David and Jonathan, or Anne Shirley/ Diana Barry kind of friendship. I have been blessed with a few over the years.
ReplyDeleteI've been reading the story of Jonathan and David this last week and they really had an amazing friendship. It's definitely a blessing to have good friends.
DeleteGail, close community is vital for growth in Christ. So blessed I do have a few close, wonderful God fearing women in my life. Have a great weekend Gail
ReplyDeleteAmen, community is what makes us grow as Christians. We can a service/building "church," but church as the Bible describes it is people in community.
DeleteI have made so many friends throughout my life, some closer than others. My closest friends I met either through church or at the Christian college I attended. Good, faithful friendships are hard to find, nowadays. My son is almost 20 and still struggles with good friends who aren't out to use him for their gain only. It's so sad. Praying for those who read your post and link-ups today!!
ReplyDeleteIn His Lo♥e, Ann
Yes, we don't always have good friends at every stage of our lives. I know because I've moved so much during my life and I didn't have close friends at every location. God is enough for us when we don't have friends, but friendship is definitely part of our Christian growth and life. I pray that your son will soon find friends who love him for himself.
DeleteVery interesting study - close friendships down from three to two. Good thoughts, and good reminders to cultivate friendships even in the midst of so much social media.
ReplyDeleteYes, I think even more than the internet that the TV has taken us away from friendships. I wonder what the number was before TV.
DeleteGreat post, and so true! Technology seems so wonderful for keeping in touch sometimes, but in the long run it can really diminish the strength of relationships if we're not careful.
ReplyDeleteAmen, Mandi!
Deletea great reminder.....sometimes it takes effort, but sometimes you can see a friend after 2 yrs and pick right up where you left off...
ReplyDeleteYes, some friends are like that...a blessing!
DeleteHi Gail - great post to remind us to cherish friendships. I did not know you did a linky. Now I do, I have linked up. God bless my new friend.
ReplyDeleteTracy
So glad to have you linked up, Tracy. Feel like you are one of my cyber friends and I'm enjoying getting to know you better. : )
DeleteHi Gail,
ReplyDeleteBack in Feb., my dear friend of 60 years was in town and we met for lunch. She has never left our hometown in the NE and I have spent almost half my life now in Florida. We use email to stay in touch and when we sit down together, it is as if we have never been apart. I also have a precious younger women who I worked with for ten years prior to my retiring. She is my daughter's age, but our love of the Lord bonded us together from the start. Friendship are "frosting on the cake" type of blessings, aren't they? Blessing to you my new cyber friend.
Those are precious relationships for sure. Did you ever sing the girl scout song "Make new friends but keep the old, some are silver but the rest are gold.
DeleteGail, My best friend, Gwen, went to be with Jesus on Saturday. Many people regarded her as their friend, which is a tribute to what a genuine Christ-like person she was. In fact, another friend and co-worker said to me the other day, "Gwen was the most Christian woman I have ever known." That's a real tribute to someone who lived her faith in every phase of her life. When she received her dire diagnosis two plus years ago, she told me she was not afraid of death because she knew where she was going, just concerned about the process. I know she suffered more than most of us close to her ever knew, but she did it with grace. I praise God that the suffering did not have to last too long - enough to make all of us pray for God to take her home. When we were in Budapest, she and I did a Bible study by email. It was such a great way to be connected. She and her husband, John, opened their home to us when we had no home last summer. She was a dear, dear friend but I'm so happy she's at home.
ReplyDeleteDear Carol, I remember you talking about Gwen on several occasions, and what a wonderful tribute you've written in these few short lines. Thanks so much for sharing this so other readers can benefit from your words and Gwen's life. I'm asking God to comfort you in your loss and continue to give you joy in Gwen's homegoing.
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