I Need Her

I Need Her

T. Suzanne Eller

The text message read: “I don’t care how busy you are, Suzie. Put me on your calendar. You need me.”

Sometimes friendship gets last place in my life. My parents need me more than they once did. I have children and grandchildren in three states. I juggle ministry, relationships, and the demands of real life.

But my friend is right. I need her.

When we get together over lunch, we laugh and catch up with each other’s lives. Often, we find ourselves talking about God. We dig deep, asking questions, praying, and encouraging each other. And I love it.

So why do I let this really great friendship slide to last place?

In John 13, Jesus commands the disciples to love each other. Jesus didn’t drop commandments lightly. He knew his followers needed each other. One day soon, He would return to heaven. Though His love would always be with them, His physical presence would not. And hard times were ahead.

Persecution. Suffering. Mistreatment.

But His command went even deeper than that. “As I have loved you, so you must love one another,” He said (John 13:34).

What did that look like?

When Peter denied he ever knew Jesus, he stumbled from the scene weeping. Can you imagine how he felt? To love Peter “as Jesus did” meant that his friends couldn’t give up on him. Instead, they would remind him of Jesus’ love and forgiveness. They would point him toward redemption and grace.

We were never intended to live our faith in isolation. God and girlfriends are not just fun extras—they are required essentials. In good times. In hard times. When we are living with purpose. When we falter.

Perhaps you are thinking, I don’t have a friend who texts or calls me. I wish I had a friend like that. If so, pray and ask God for one person you know who needs someone and take the initiative to reach out to her. Sometimes we have to be the friend we wish we had by taking the first steps toward the friendship we need.

I am working on this gift called friendship. I’ve decided not to allow a week or a month to go by without a lunch date, or at least a conversation. In fact, I just texted my friend: “I don’t care how busy I am, friend. Let’s make a date. I need you.”

Dear Lord, thank You for my friend. I get so busy that I sometimes put her last. Give me wisdom to know how to nurture this part of my life. Help me to love my friend the way You love me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

REMEMBER

We were not created to go it alone.

REFLECT

If your friend were to describe you, what words would she use?

RESPOND

Contact a friend today. Send a note of encouragement or call her to set up a time to get together.

POWER VERSES

Philippians 2:4; Romans 13:8