Practical Ways to Maintain Friendships During these Unprecedented Times.
“A friend loves at all times…” (Proverbs 17:17)
How do we love our friends at all times, from a distance?
Whether this is a geographic distance imposed by many miles or, as of recently, a social distance as the world experiences the COVID-19 pandemic, obvious limitations exist to how we’d like to be in the presence of our friends.
Here’s some good news: there are many practical things that we can do to be intentional with our friendships, regardless of distance. Let’s discuss three.
1. Check In
2. Meet Needs
If we’re checking in with our friends, we very likely know what they need. While we won’t be able to meet all of their needs (we’re not expected to), we can pray about how the Lord might use us to steward our resources to be a help, and then be that help.
Maybe it looks like sending a note or a text message of encouragement.
Maybe it looks like sending a small gift.
Maybe it looks like setting up a weekly phone call or video chat to spend time together.
3. Pray
Committing to pray for your friends is a powerful way to love them well. It’s also biblical:
“Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” James 5:16 (NIV)
“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—" 1 Timothy 2:1 (NIV)
Asking a friend, “How can I pray for you?” communicates that you want to talk to the God of the universe on his or her behalf. Wow!
If you’ve been on the receiving end of this question, you know how much it means.
Praying for our friends is one of the most important things that we can do for them.
Be encouraged: you can be a friend that loves at all times, no matter the distance.
INFO
