A long time ago, the old sitcom “Cheers” theme song struck a chord in the hearts of many Americans. You can probably recall the lyrics that went like this, “Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name, and they’re always glad you came; You want to be where you can see, Our troubles are all the same; You want to be where everybody knows your name!” Can you believe that this was written about a bar and not the church?

The reality is this: God created us for relationship – for deep, committed relationships. Our true friendships are forged to handle all the seasons of life, adverse conditions and prosperous conditions. As a friend, I’m not just going to love you when you’ve got it all together, you’re successful, and make the most of your life. I love you when you mess-up, flail, you’re rude, irate, irritating, irregular and irrational.

The Bible is clear, strong and healthy covenant relations are to be a regular part of the body of Christ. However, we need to understand that the key to covenant relationships is not trying to find the right person. It is being the right person. We are to love as Jesus loved – love first and to the fullest capacity!

Proverbs 27:17 tells us that, “As iron sharpens iron, so people can improve each other (sharpen their friends)”. Jesus modeled exactly this. He spent time with his friends, building relationships that were strong enough to be corrected and challenged. They were friendships that were real, honest and not always easy to be in. It’s easy to surround ourselves with people who think, act, and agree with everything we do. However, true friendship will sharpen you. It will forge you into the best you can be!

That being the case, don’t allow yourself to withdraw or run from relationships that test you. Commit yourself to growth, for planted in the house you will flourish (Psalm 92:13).