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God's design for friendship
In remembrance of one of my best friends
Martine Sorthe
June 30, 2024
Hi Soul 🌻
As of this writing, I sit on a train on my way home from a weekend of photography work.
Here I sit, taking a Sunflower Selah — a sacred pause to turn toward God, except this is a particularly tender one.
In remembrance of my dear friend
The same force of a train that has the power to bring me from A to B, has the power to take the breath away from someone in an instant.
Whether you are inside the vessel or in front of the vessel makes all the difference.
It’s surreal to think about, how one year ago, one of my best friends jumped in front of the very vehicle that now is bringing me home.
On 30th of June 2023, my dearest friend from high school with the most beautiful singing voice, committed suicide and ascended to our Father.
I am going home, but she is already home with my Father in Heaven.
Today is a day of remembrance of her soul, and I have chosen to mark this day as a day of sharing gratitude for the people in my life.
Here’s a message that I send to all of them.
“I wanted to let you know I love you dearly as a soul, human, and friend. It’s one year today since I lost one of my best friends to suicide. I choose to keep this day as a day of gratitude. You are appreciated, you are wonderfully made, and I treasure you in my life for just being you.“
God’s design for friendship
I also wanted to share with you some reflections I’ve made on what it means to be a friend according to the Word. I pray you and I can walk in this world being the best friends we can be whilst someone is in our life and we are in theirs.
Friends are born out of adversity
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”
The beauty of true friendship is its consistency. Friends are there in times of joy and struggle. This verse reminds us to be thankful for those who stand by us through thick and thin, offering unwavering support and love.
In moments of personal hardship, I have felt the comforting presence of friends who are more like family to me. Their love and support have truly been God’s blessings in my life.
Friends help each other up
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.”
Collaboration and mutual support are essential elements of a thriving friendship. We should always be grateful for friends who lift us up when we fall. This scripture points to the blessings of companionship and the strength it brings.
Looking back, I recall many instances where friends have supported me during trying times, and I am grateful for their presence in my life.
Friends encourage each other
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
Encouragement is a vital aspect of friendship. Friends provide the necessary support that fuels our resilience and growth. This verse urges us to continue the cycle of encouragement and to express our gratitude for friends who help build us up.
I make it a point to thank my friends for their words of encouragement. They have often been the beacon of hope in my darkest hours.
Friends inspire each other
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
True friends challenge us and inspire growth. This sharpening process might sometimes be uncomfortable, but it ultimately makes us better individuals. Expressing gratitude for those who positively influence our character is critical.
Reflecting on my life’s journey, I can see how friends have helped refine my thoughts, behaviors, and beliefs, enhancing my personal growth.
“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”
Building friendships on the foundation of Christ’s teachings brings a unique depth and spiritual enrichment. Being grateful for friends who share and nurture our spiritual journey is important.
I cherish the moments of shared worship with friends, and they have been instrumental in enriching my faith.
Friends honor each other above themselves
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
This verse beautifully encapsulates the essence of selfless love. Honoring our friends and showing devotion are ways to express our gratitude for their impact on our lives.
Personal experiences have shown me the importance of placing my friends’ needs above my own sometimes. It strengthens our bond and fosters a deeper sense of gratitude.
Friends don’t give up on each other
“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.”
Community and encouragement are fundamental to maintaining strong friendships. This scripture reminds us to be consistently present and supportive. Thanking our friends for their companionship reassures them of their value in our lives.
Offering prayers for our friends’ well-being is a beautiful expression of gratitude. This verse reflects the heartfelt wish for the overall prosperity and health of our friends, underlining the depth of our affection and care.
I make it a habit to pray for the well-being of my friends, appreciating the joy and support they bring to my life.
Friends show God’s grace
“I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus.”
Gratitude for friends is heightened by recognizing the grace of God in our relationships. This verse encourages us to thank God for the grace and blessings He has bestowed upon our friendships.
By acknowledging God’s presence in our friendships, we deepen our appreciation for the mutual faith and grace that binds us together.
Friends are worthy of prayer
“I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.”
This verse stands as a poignant reminder of the continuous gratitude we should express for our friends. Never ceasing to thank them and remember them in our prayers embodies our appreciation and love.
Gratefulness for friends who continuously support and uplift us enhances the bonds of our relationships and honors the essence of true friendship.
Friends are reliable and close
“One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
Reliability and closeness are key attributes of true friendships. This verse reminds us to be grateful for friends who are dependable and who provide unwavering support, sticking closer than even family at times.
The loyal friends in my life have proven time and again to be like family, offering unswerving support and care, for which I am truly thankful.
Friends carry each other’s burdens
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
Helping friends carry their burdens is a meaningful act of love and service. This verse underscores the importance of being there for our friends during their trials, and we should be grateful for friends who do the same for us.
Reflecting on the times friends have supported me through my burdens, I realize the profound impact of their love and am genuinely thankful.
If you are looking to make friends and grow in faith, you are welcome to join The Garden community. I’ll see you on the inside.
Glory to God,
🌻 Martine | Bloom Beyond
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