Soul Friend!

April 15, 2021

Soul Friend!

You were made to be in relationships with other people.  From the beginning of time the Lord God made it clear; “It is not good that the man should be alone…”  (Genesis 2:18). 

Our heart will never be full, our mind will never be awed, and our soul will never be well until we are in meaningful and healthy relationships with other people.  In our core, we are relational beings meant for community and connection with other people.  The need for relationships is wired into our DNA!

Isolation, separation, and division will leave our soul in a place that is unhealthy and unholy.  So, the Lord God takes the initiative in helping us to experience the community and connection we need.  In Genesis 2:19, the Lord says; “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper as his partner.”

We need partners, friends, and so-journers.  We need helpers, companions, and other believers.  We need confidants, guides, and mentors.  It is not good to be alone; we need one another!  Our soul needs community and connection.  Our soul needs relationships with other people.

The divisiveness, the intolerance, and the impatience that are defining so much of our world right now are an indication of our soul-deep need for friendship.  Too many of our relationships are based on manipulations and maneuverings; we want something or need something from the other person.

If we want our soul to be healthy and holy, we will be intentional about making and keeping our friends.  We don’t have to be intimate friends with everyone, but we do need ten to twelve close friends.  We long for a soul friend. 

Maybe it is time to do a friend inventory; i.e., to check the number and health of your friendships.  Make some time and dare to ask a few questions about each of your friends.

Do they build you up or take you down?

Do they give you energy or take your energy?

Do they bring healing to you or bring hurt to you?

Do they step forward with you or let you go ahead alone?

Do they lead you toward soul-peace or toward soul dis-ease?

Do they invite you to be courageous or caution you to be safe?

Do they expand your life and love or constrict your life and love?

Do they encourage you into a growing relationship with Jesus or rarely engage spiritual conversation?

And then, I invite you to ask these same questions of yourself.  What kind of friend are you being right now?  Be honest and seek the wise counsel of Jesus as you examine at your friendships. 

The Lord God created us to live in healthy and holy relationships with one another.  Relationships are not always easy, but they are the source of some of our greatest joy and deepest love.  It is not good to be alone so the Lord gives us a deep desire for friends. 

Our relationships are the environment where the Holy Spirit often stirs to do the soul-work we need.  Our friendships are where the Spirit can help our soul to thrive.  When that happens, we will delight in the Lord for all the blessings.

Take Delight In The Lord!

Doug