“Forgotten Friendship”
“Made for Friendship” — Chapter One Reflection
Forgotten Friendship
“If we remove friendship from the world, half of our joy goes right with it.” (pg19).
Forgotten Friendship is a fitting title to begin this book on Made for Friendship. It is no surprise to all of us in the modern Western world to realize the depth of our friendships may be lacking. Hunter opens with the universal agreement among all people about the need and great joy found in friendships, but that we often don’t talk about it or we devote little time to exploring this subject. The author goes on to shower us with many quotes from well-known historical pastors, theologians, and ministers for their deep appreciation of friendship. He even says it is friendship that gives meaning to the universe, a lofty praise, but for the Christian, we have a warrant for such an understanding. Hunter explains redemptive history can be simplified to the triune God welcoming us into an eternal friendship. Yet, friendships are seemingly not a priority today, why is that?
The Setbacks We Allow
Hunter shares that the common setbacks we allow in our lives are busyness, technology, and mobility. The one that stood out most to me was mobility, the act of not being in one spot for too long. As many of you know I am originally from Southern California and have only been in the state of Oregon for three years now. My biggest worry in moving away from my family and friends was being able to make new friendships here. After, reading this first chapter I am validated in my concern, and why it should be all our concerns. Friendships are vital in the life of a Christian.
Hunter points out the fact that we are naturally antisocial, referring to our sin nature that curves us inwardly. The antisocial life is a life unchecked, and a dangerous place to be in as a Christian. I knew moving to Oregon would be at a great risk of losing deep relationships, which if I am honest, were hard to form in the first place, how could I possibly do it again?
Prioritize Friendships
Hunter concludes the chapter with the sobering reality that most people at the end of their lives will often regret not prioritizing friendships more. Possessions, accolades, and careers, always fall by the wayside in comparison to relationships. Moving here was a risk, not because there wouldn’t be people to befriend, but because I could give into my sinful nature and not prioritize friendship. God created us for friendship, so let us prioritize this and seek it out faithfully.
I can’t wait to keep reading this book and to see more of how friendship truly halves our troubles and doubles our joys.
