DAY 1: FRIENDSHIP: WHAT’S THE POINT?

As human beings, we are wired for connection. No matter what season of life we find ourselves in: college students navigating the excitement and challenges of a new chapter, newcomers to a city trying to establish roots, long-time residents of a town already familiar with every corner, young moms adjusting to the whirlwind of motherhood, or even individuals entering the peaceful yet sometimes isolating season of retirement. We all share one thing in common– our hearts long for community.

Friendship and fellowship are vital to our spiritual and emotional well-being. When we look at Scripture, we see that God has created us for relationships, both with Him and with each other.

In the beginning, God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone” (Genesis 2:18). Even before sin entered the world, God recognized the importance of companionship and fellowship. He created Eve for Adam, not because He could not have communed with Adam alone, but because He designed humans to thrive in community. The idea that we are meant to live and walk alongside others is deeply embedded in the fabric of our creation.

Jesus Himself modeled the beauty and necessity of friendship. He called His disciples into close fellowship with Him, shared His heart with them, and encouraged them to love one another as He loved them (John 13:34-35).

Throughout the New Testament, we see that the early church flourished when believers gathered together—praying, sharing meals, encouraging one another, and bearing each other’s burdens (Acts 2:42-47). This is the way God intends for His people to live: in close-knit relationships where love, encouragement, accountability, and joy are shared freely. There is a unique kind of strength and comfort found in the bonds of true friendship, and these relationships reflect the love of Christ. They remind us that we are not isolated or forgotten but are part of a larger body, each of us with a vital role to play. Before diving deeper into the study of friendship and sisterhood, it is important to first recognize the why behind it all.

Why does God care so much about our relationships with others? Because He knows that in our connections with each other, we experience His love in a tangible way. As we begin this journey of exploring friendship and sisterhood, this foundational truth stands: We all need community. True friendship is a gift from God—a reflection of His love and faithfulness—and we are never meant to walk alone. Let us begin with open hearts, recognizing the importance of the relationships God has placed in our lives. In EVERY season, community is not just a support system; it is God’s way of showing His love, helping us grow, and reminding us that we are never alone.

DAY 2: WHERE ARE MY PEOPLE?

Okay, so we are sold on the idea that community is crucial to the believer’s life and that God intended us to live in a relationship with one another, but how do we find this in our lives?

When I was 22, I moved from my small town in Michigan to the bustling city of Nashville, TN. As the excitement of a new city quickly faded, I realized I didn’t have the deep connections I longed for. My apartment had finally been perfectly decorated (thank you, Target), but I realized I had no one to invite to share the space with. I found myself in a season of loneliness, which was truly one of the most difficult seasons of my life.

I lovingly refer to it as my “Lonely Era”. During those days, my tendency to isolate increased as it truly felt more comfortable to be alone than to try to make friends. Loneliness became the unwanted friend I started spending all my time with, leaving me with a bout of depression that weighed heavy on my soul. I knew I needed community but wondered, “Where are my people?”

During that time, a counselor shared some wisdom with me that changed my perspective on building friendships. She explained that friendships are built on two key ingredients: shared experiences and time spent together.

Taking that advice to heart helped me learn how to have some building blocks for making friends in my adult life. The
reality was that up until that point in my life, my friends were people I had known for long periods of time and grew up with. It was the first time I had to fumble my way as an adult through this process of making friends.

At first, it wasn’t easy. I had to step outside my comfort zone, intentionally seeking out opportunities to connect with others to create those “shared experiences.” I started saying “yes” to invitations, even when they felt unfamiliar or intimidating. I joined a small group at my church, attended local events, and invited people to grab coffee or join me for dinner – all things that, if I am honest, were not easy for my introverted self. But, over time, these shared experiences turned into lasting connections. The more time I spent with others, the more trust, understanding, and depth developed in those relationships.

Interestingly, as I think about Jesus and how He cultivated his friendships among his twelve disciples, I can see how this principle aligns with how Jesus built His friendships. Throughout the Gospels, we see Jesus spending time with His twelve disciples. Mark 3:14 says, “He appointed twelve that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach.” Jesus didn’t just teach His disciples from a distance; He walked with them, ate with them, and experienced life alongside them!

These shared moments and experiences among those disciples built trust and prepared them for the mission ahead. Even Jesus understood that making friends meant walking life alongside each other.

Reflecting on my own journey, I can see how God’s wisdom guided me through my “lonely era.” Fast forward twelve years, when God called me to leave Nashville. My friends gathered to throw me the most beautiful going-away party.

I still remember standing there and thinking how incredible it was to have a room full of people who loved me. I wish my 22-year-old self could have peeked into the future to see how the story would unravel.

I believe God desires us to experience the gift of friendship. Even Jesus had close friends during His time on earth. So, if you’re feeling lonely or discouraged right now, hold on — your people are out there. Trust that God is working, even in this season. Hang in there, my friend; you are not alone.

If the Day 1 and Day 2 excerpts resonated with you, we invite you to dive deeper into the full 7-week Friendship Study, available now in the Live Original Store! This study is packed with Scripture-based encouragement, personal stories, and practical tools to help you build meaningful, lasting friendships in every season of life. Whether you’re in a season of deep connection or longing for community, this study is a reminder that you were created for relationship—and you don’t have to walk alone. Download the full study and join us on this journey toward authentic sisterhood and Christ-centered connection!