“A sweet friendship refreshes the soul.” Proverbs 27:9

Yes, friendships do refresh the soul.  My friendship circle includes family, friends from school, workplaces, and church.

However, if not careful, my circle of friends will be only those in my church or community that think as I do. Comfy folk. They will mostly agree with my beliefs and choices in life. Easy, breezy!

To learn more about what the Bible says about friendships, click here.

Because of my stubborn will and Southern Baptist heritage, I have strong convictions on many issues that vary between denominations. A very strict, rural upbringing adds to my opinionated mindset. Over the past few years, God has expanded my friendship circle, and I am eternally grateful.

Each month I meet for brunch or lunch with Evelyn. She and her husband co-pastor an Assembly of God church. Also, I frequently enjoy fellowship with Vicki, a Methodist pastor. I learn from them, I pray they learn from me. We are working to find ways to share Jesus as we meet needs in our communities. We each seek to know and to do God’s will for us as individuals and for our church families. We do not try to ‘convert’ one another to our beliefs. I treasure our prayer times and our friendships.

Every few weeks I meet with Sarah.  She is half my age, and her dress and demeanor are quite worldly. She doesn’t know Jesus as her personal Savior; she has no interest in knowing Him. However, we share some common goals and interests and learn from one another. Sarah knows I pray before meals and often has a request for me to include in my prayer. God is at work in her life.

Being an author and writer, some of my friendship circles include guys and gals who do not have Jesus as their first priority, if at all! Sometimes, the stories they are working on can stir my heart to quietly pray for them. But, here’s the thing. I learn from them. As I get to know them better, I grow in understanding our communities better. Hopefully, I will become not only a better writer but a better person because of their friendships.

So, I have to ask you. How wide is your friendship circle? Are you ready to ask God who He wants you to include? Has he pricked your heart just now with the name or face of one who really, really needs a friend?

Please, pray for me as I continue to grow and seek God’s will in all I do. Praying for you, dear friend is a joy. And, I look forward to the day when you call for that friendship coffee.

Sending hugs and prayers,