The Medicine Cabinet: Laugh Often — Thursday
Hebrews 10:24-25
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (NIV)
I have a group of friends who really enjoy getting together and playing Spicy Uno. The games can get intense, let me tell you—but in addition to what I would call a healthy dose of competition, we enjoy these nights because of the community we have with each other. Every one of those friends loves the Lord and has walked a different journey with Him, and while, sure, we all like to win, the friendship and camaraderie that come from those card nights is the real takeaway.
Those same people who I am fiercely competitive with in Spicy Uno are also the kind of friends who are there in a heartbeat when life gets hard. They’re the kind that pray for me and my family. They’re the kind that can be honest with me and hold me accountable. They’re the kind of friends I can celebrate the little and big things in life with.
Let’s be honest, though. Making friends as an adult is hard. It takes intentionality, effort, and consistency to build the kind of relationships that seemed to come so much easier when we were kids. But make no mistake—God created us for community. In Genesis 2:18, God said of Adam, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him” (NLT). This is the first instance of community and companionship in Scripture, and the intention behind Adam not being alone remains the same for us.
We were made for community, for friendship. Real friendships make us better—they challenge us, they provide accountability. They also provide us with joy and laughter and companionship. And while it’ll take some work and trust to find and develop those relationships, it’s worth it because it’s God’s design, and His design is always good.
Thursday’s Reflection
If you are struggling to find biblical community, let me encourage you to join a group here at Southland. We have groups for all kinds of age groups and interests, so take a look at our groups page today so we can help you get connected!
If you already have biblical community, take some time this week to grab coffee with a friend or invite some folks over for dinner. Enjoy the gift of community that God has blessed you with!