Are you delighted or divided?

Uncertain of when I’d see her again, I wrapped my arms a little tighter as I said goodbye—three years had passed since we last rehearsed this scene.

Years separate our visits, but each plays out the same – warm embraces, soul-refreshing conversations, laughter, and tears, followed by “until the next time” hugs. Our friendship began this way, about fifteen years ago, and continues like a divine play orchestrated and held together by Someone greater than time or distance.

My friend blesses my life not just with her presence, but with her prayers, her encouragement, and our shared love for the Lord and devotion to His Kingdom work. I am so grateful for the time our paths cross, no matter how brief and far between.

Reflecting on our friendship, I can’t help but think of Paul and his relationships with fellow believers. Time, distance, and even prison separated his visits, but He knew that in Christ they were one. He longed to be with them, but he remained grateful and connected to them through prayer. He was encouraged by their faith, thankful for their love, and strengthened by the connection to Christ that held them close in heart and spirit.

God created us for this kind of connection and unity.

Yet instead of following Paul’s example, sometimes as Christians we allow distance to define the depth of our relationship. Hurt feelings and self-driven expectations begin to shape our decisions. Looking no different than worldly relationships, we forget to pray for, encourage, or model Christ’s love.

How would our relationships look different if we treated each other as Paul did, brothers and sisters united in Christ, bound by something greater than proximity or convenience?

When our relationships are rooted in Christ’s love, prayer and gratitude fuel our interactions, and we can genuinely delight in one another—not because our relationships are perfect, but because Christ is at the center.

And when He drives our relationships, they defy human definitions of friendship. Time and distance don’t disconnect us. Unmet expectations can’t divide us.

Instead, the way we love one another becomes an example to the world of what God intended Christian fellowship to be – a delight for our soul!

For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how disciplined you are and how firm your faith in Christ is. 

Colossians 2:5

Thoughts to Ponder:

• What friend in Christ do you know that is geographically far away, but could use your prayers to span the distance? Send them a note of encouragement or text and ask how you can be praying for them.

• Make a list of all the brothers and sisters in Christ for which you are grateful – consider past and present relationships.