Read Ephesians 5:19-21
Jesus said, “Where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”—Matthew 18:20 (NIV).
In 2009, my friend Michelle and I had the opportunity to attend a Walk to Emmaus spiritual retreat. The experience was filled with community building, worship, and Bible study. We did not want to lose our excitement about our faith when we returned home, so Michelle and I started to meet once a week. We studied different materials and books over a cup of coffee and breakfast.
Eight years after we began our weekly ritual, Michelle moved across the country. I worried that this would make it difficult to continue our special friendship. I had always interpreted Matthew 18:20 as Jesus asking us to meet in person when we study and worship. But meeting virtually with Michelle has taught me that you do not have to be in the same room for the Lord to be with you. All you have to do is join your hearts and minds together.
While we can no longer share a meal at the same table, we continue to share details of our lives and encourage each other in our faith journeys by discussing The Upper Room, hymns, and books. Our relationship is one that I cherish.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for the gift of spiritual friendships. For those of us with this type of friendship, bless these relationships. For those of us longing for a friend, please put the right people in our life. Amen.
Thought for the day: My faith is strengthened by the faith of others.
—Yvette War Bonnet, Washington