We may need national Friendship Month now more than ever …

In a world where “ghosting” has become a casual way of ending relationships, and many treat friendships as temporary conveniences, we may need national Friendship Month now more than ever — not because we’ve forgotten how to make friends, but because we’ve forgotten how to keep them. Although we have more ways than ever to communicate, people are feeling increasingly isolated and detached.

It’s not just a cultural shift — it’s an international epidemic. Research shows that we are in the midst of a worldwide loneliness crisis. A 2021 study from Harvard revealed that over one-third of Americans report feeling “seriously lonely,” and this issue is even more pronounced among young adults. In fact, 61 percent of young people aged 18-25 said they feel lonely “frequently” or “almost all the time.” This is particularly troubling considering young adults are often thought to be the most connected generation.

September is national Friendship Month, a time to reflect on and address this alarming trend. There’s a story about an unnamed person whose answering machine message went viral for its bluntness: “I am not available right now, but I thank you for caring enough to call. I am making some changes in my life. Please leave a message after the beep. If I do not return your call, you are one of the changes.” It’s intended to be humorous, but it resonates because it reflects a wider cultural reality where friendships are seen as disposable. This throwaway mindset is at odds with the real, tangible effects loneliness is having on people’s lives.

Loneliness is not just a passing feeling, it has profound consequences on mental, emotional, physical, and even spiritual health. Studies have shown that loneliness can lead to depression, anxiety, and even a higher risk of suicide. But the effects don’t stop there. Loneliness has also been linked to serious physical health issues, including heart disease, weakened immune function, and shorter lifespans. Some researchers say the health risks associated with chronic loneliness are as dangerous as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

This loneliness epidemic spans cultures and continents. Countries like the United Kingdom (UK) have even appointed government ministers to address the issue because it is so widespread. The global scope of this problem shows that, no matter where people live, they are increasingly feeling the absence of deep, meaningful relationships.

THE POWER OF MUTUAL CARE
True friendship goes beyond convenience or casual interactions — it’s about mutual care, concern, and support, especially in difficult times. A remarkable story from the UK illustrates the power of this kind of selfless care, even among animals. A horse named Zeta was critically injured after being shot twice with a crossbow. One of the arrows lodged dangerously close to her lung, and her survival was uncertain. However, Zeta’s fellow horses responded in an extraordinary way: for three hours, four of her fellow mares took turns licking the wound, keeping it clean and stemming the blood flow.

According to Zeta’s owner, the other horses rallied around her, instinctively knowing she was in need. Their care not only comforted Zeta but also saved her life, preventing infection and helping her heal. The herd’s instinct to protect and care for one of their own offers a striking example of how we, too, are called to support each other.

The Apostle Paul spoke to this very idea in his letter to the Corinthians: “This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other. If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad,” 1 Corinthians 12:25-26. Just as the horses instinctively cared for Zeta, we, as members of the body of Christ, are called to care for one another, offering comfort, support, and love in times of need.

For Christians, friendships carry even more significance. The Bible is filled with wisdom about the importance of relationships. Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.” Friendships are one of the primary ways God sharpens us, encourages us, and strengthens us in our faith. Without them, we not only lose a source of personal joy but also a critical component of our spiritual growth.

But why, in a world so connected, are friendships fading? One reason is the fast pace of modern life. Between family, work, and other obligations, many people feel like they don’t have time to invest in maintaining their friendships. Social media also plays a role, offering a false sense of connection. While these platforms allow us to stay in touch, they often don’t lead to deep, genuine relationships.

Another issue is how quickly we end friendships over disagreements. In today’s culture, if someone says or does something we don’t agree with, there’s a growing tendency to cut them off rather than work through the issue. This mindset runs contrary to the biblical model of friendship. Proverbs 18:24 says, “There are ‘friends’ who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.” Real friendships are resilient, able to withstand disagreements and challenges.

PRACTICAL STEPS FOR LASTING FRIENDSHIPS
So, how do we build and maintain strong, lasting friendships in a world that seems to be moving in the opposite direction? One key element is intentionality. Friendships don’t thrive by accident, they require time, effort, and dedication. We must be intentional in setting aside time for the people we care about, whether through face-to-face meetings, regular phone calls, or even sending thoughtful messages.

Another critical component is forgiveness. Every relationship will experience conflict at some point, but instead of walking away, we’re called to forgive and work through it. Colossians 3:13 encourages us to “Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.” When we extend grace and understanding to our friends, we reflect the love and patience God shows us.

Finally, we should never underestimate the power of prayer in our friendships. Bringing our relationships before God not only strengthens our bond with Him but also deepens our connection with others. James 5:16a reminds us to “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed …” By praying for our friends, we invite God’s presence into the relationship, allowing it to grow and flourish.

A SACRED GIFT
Friendship is a sacred gift from God, designed to provide comfort, encouragement, and growth. As we observe national Friendship Month this September, let’s take the opportunity to reflect on the value of the friendships we have and those we may have neglected. In a world that’s constantly pulling us apart, we can make the intentional choice to draw closer — to invest in, nurture, and appreciate the friends who stand by us. In doing so, we honor the relationships God has given us and live out our faith in a way that fosters love, support, and unity. Friendships may take effort, but they are an irreplaceable part of life, one that God calls us to nurture and cherish.

Scotty