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09.07.2021
PR EVANGELINE CHEONG
A 2021 survey in the US1 reports that the number of Americans who say they do not have a single close friend has quadrupled (from 3% to 12%). Of course this figure has been profoundly affected by the restrictions of COVID-19, but it is still alarming.
I’m not sure about you but Circuit-Breaker and all the safe distancing measures have only served to strain existing family relationships and friendships. Having to choose only 1 friend to eat out with as compared to the 4 friends we could meet in April increases the effort needed to keep in contact with our friends. Having zoom family gatherings puts much distance even with those who we love. Making new friends in this season can seem to be an Everest to climb.
We, as humans, have been made for relationships: First with God and second with one another. Yet in the brokenness of both relationships due to our sin, we find ourselves offered grace and friendship in Jesus Christ on the cross for Jesus loved us with a greater love.
“Greater love has no one than this,
that someone lay down His life for His friends” John 15:13.
It has been a year and a half of strained relationships, and having friends along for the ride when things are uncertain, difficult and dark is something we all need. So it is my prayer for you and me as we seek to be a good friend to those around us especially in this time of pandemic that we will experience richly this friendship with Christ and the empowering of the Spirit to love at all times and be a good friend for others in their suffering. For “a friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity” - Proverbs 17:17.
Is there a friend that God is putting in your heart to reach out to this week? Call or text, share and pray together. Looking for a friend to walk this spiritual journey with? Connect to your family in Christ and join us this month at the CG Open House. Scan the QR Code to sign up!
[1] www.americansurveycenter.org/research/the-state-of-american-friendship-change-challenges-and-loss/
