Friends R Usናሙና

Relationship Status

I have had two circles of friends in my adult life, both times I was the lone single lady in a circle of marriages. For years this never bothered me.  I never felt the differences when we were all together. OK. Well, maybe when the conversations turned to their marriages and I didn’t have one to speak on.  However, in those moments, I never felt excluded.  

As you establish community with others who have a different relationship status from yours don’t exclude them from that area of your life.  James 1:5 says if you lack wisdom ask and God will give generously.  There is a wisdom and knowledge you can receive from God  as a single person with married friends. So, married people don’t hide your marriage from your single or married friends. Psalm 119:99 says, “I learn from the testimonies of my teachers.” Therefore,   share the reality of marriage and let your married or single friends learn from your testimony.  You never know when your words will stick and help your friend as they experience something you shared on and your words will get them through, keep them from, or heal them in a situation.  

In my community of friends, I have had the privilege of walking through some tough times. Proverbs 27:17 says “As iron sharpens iron so one person sharpens another.”  We need each other to grow.  I see in our circle that we rely on each other.  I will have days/moments I am frustrated that I am still single and I don’t feel noticed by guys, and that perhaps God forgot about this desire of mine.  On those days, I am able to reach out to my community and let them know I am struggling.  They encourage me and offer hope for the day I am seen. Also, they will share scriptures and pray for me.  When the married friends have something to celebrate or maybe are experiencing a challenging time in their relationship it’s reciprocated.  As a result of these friendships, I have been afforded a fuller picture of how to do marriage successfully.  

Prayer:  Father God, thank you for my friendships.  Thank you for the gift of marriage and being single.  I pray now that you help me in forming community to be open, and grant me wisdom as we walk out marriages or single-hood.  Let us pick each other up and cover one another’s relationships.  In Jesus Name, Amen. 

Written by Lindsay McDonnell