The Ultimate Friendship and Love

by Peggy Rice, Hope Coach Trainer

“There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.“  Proverbs 18: 24b

Now combine that verse with what Jesus says in Matthew 28:20: “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

That’s the ultimate friendship. A forever friendship with Jesus.

As a Hope Coach, I’ve spoken to many people who feel alone, without friends who understand. They feel like they’re the only one going through what they’re going through. All by themselves.

Maybe it’s a mental health challenge. Maybe it’s loving someone with a mental health challenge. Maybe it’s just a life situation that has them feeling stuck. No matter what, they feel very alone, with no one who “gets it.”

This can be a debilitating feeling. It can lead to feelings of hopelessness. It can lead to feelings of isolation. It can be paralyzing. It can breed ruminating – dwelling on the hopeless feelings and repeating “I’m all alone in this,” over and over in their heads. Soon, that’s all they can see – that they’re alone in their misery.

But those are lies of the enemy. They are not the truth of Scripture. The Bible tells us that we are never alone. “For he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” Hebrews 13:5b

Jesus has called us “friend” (see John 15:15). He has promised to always be with us, and we assured of His Presence by the Holy Spirit, dwelling inside of us. We have the power of the Risen Christ living in us! We have power to overcome our hopeless feelings.

The best way to thwart the lies of the enemy is with the truth of God’s Word. For every lie that Satan tells us, we need to find a verse in Scripture that reminds us of how God sees us: as His beloved children (John 1:12; I John 3:1); as redeemed (Ephesians 1:7); as forgiven (Colossians 2:13); as more than conquerors (Romans 8:37).

If you find yourself believing the lie that you are all alone, remind yourself of the above truths from God’s Word!

But we are not just friends with God. We are loved by God.

• “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16
• “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels no rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, not anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39
• “…And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power … to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge-“ Ephesians 3:17b-19a
• “…His steadfast love endures forever.” Psalm 136:1-9

That’s the ultimate love. The love of God, who is Creator, Almighty, Comforter, Deliverer, Faithful, Holy, Magnificent, Eternal, … – the list of God’s attributes goes on and on. And we are LOVED by Him!

I want to encourage you, especially if you are feeling alone or unloved.

• Reach up – God is right there, waiting patiently for you so He can wrap you in His love and peace. Tell Him of your feelings – they do not change His love for you. Search His Word for the truths of what He says about you.
• Reach out – phone a trusted friend, or contact Fresh Hope and ask to speak to a Hope Coach, someone to share your situation with. We are trained to listen and ask questions, to help you find a way forward, from your feelings of hopelessness to hope. We’ll remind you that you have a friend in Jesus, and that God has great love for you.

Peggy has been involved with Fresh Hope as a Group Facilitator for 5 years and as the Hope Coach Trainer for 3. You can reach her at peggy@freshhope.us