Faith and friendship are two of the most pivotal factors in determining quality of life. Just as the Bible encourages that ” we live by faith, not by sight” (II Corinthians 5:7 NIV), it also extols the virtues of friendship, even suggesting that “A sweet friendship refreshes the soul” (Proverbs 27:9 MSG).

Who is your friend and why is friendship important? Elbert Hubbard proposes, “A friend is someone who knows you and loves you just the same.”

Not everyone enjoys the blessing of companionship and friendship. In 2018, CIGNA Healthcare surveyed 20,000 U.S. adults and discovered that 46% sometimes or always feel alone. As churches seek to address the needs of their communities, they will discover that loneliness is a significant concern and a major ministry opportunity.

Through the years I have often concluded my prayers, sermons, and newsletter columns by saying, “May we continue to grow in faith and friendship.” I use those words intentionally because I believe faith and friendship have a symbiotic relationship.

I am intrigued and perplexed at times by the vast diversity of denominations and sects within the Christian family. One of the most fascinating groups to me are the Quakers. I admire their emphasis on the love of God, their passion for justice and equality, and their conviction that the light of God can be seen in each human being. But I especially like their name: Society of Friends.

In Jesus’ conversation with his disciples in John 15:15, he specifically states, “But I have called you friends.” I am convinced that church is first and foremost a community of friends. Church at its best is not a religious institution or a brick-and-mortar campus, but a spiritual community that thrives on being friends with Jesus and being friends with others who are friends with Jesus.

Friends can help you celebrate good times and provide support during bad times. Friends prevent isolation and loneliness and give you a chance to offer needed companionship, too.

Researchers at Mayo Clinic have identified five ways that friends make life better (www.mayoclinic.org ):

• Increase your sense of belonging and purpose.
• Boost your happiness and reduce your stress.
• Improve your self-confidence and self-worth.
• Help you cope with traumas, such as divorce, serious illness, job loss or the death of a loved one.
• Encourage you to change or avoid unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as excessive drinking or lack of exercise.

In my experience, faith and friendship are forged and nurtured in the shared life of a healthy congregation. Ryan Burge, a political scientist and research analyst from Eastern Illinois University, notes that “In obituaries where a religious community was mentioned, the person lived an average 5.5 years longer.”

Multiple times in John’s gospel we are told that Jesus came to show us the way to a “full and meaningful life.” Faith and friendship are two of the most important dynamics in embracing an “abundant life.”

May we grow in faith and friendship!