How do we pursue intimacy with man?

Spend Time Together

Hebrews 10:24&25 reads: And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Matthew Henry explains: “The communion of saints is a great help and privilege, and a means of steadfastness and perseverance.” When we spend time together, we grow together. We see how our friend responds under various circumstances, and that gives us further insight into them. When we stand by our friend through the birth of children, the death of a parent, job loss, promotions, and other life circumstances, these events draw us closer. We are given opportunity not only to observe but to participate in our friend’s life.

“Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Ephesians 6:2) We are to take upon ourselves the burdens of one another. This is modeling Christ! We may not be able to literally take a burden from a friend but the idea is that, in humility and empathy, we are fully invested and concerned about the burdens of our friends. Have you even had a good friend come to you and say, “I was thinking about what you told me and…” or “I went and did some research on what we were talking about the other day and…” That investment...that camaraderie…that level of “buy-in” is what this scripture speaks to.

I have been blessed with women who have done that exact thing over and over again in my life.  There is something very special about knowing that a concern on your heart is also a concern on the heart of your friend. Not that you want them to be burdened! No, it is that you know you have someone special by your side. This strengthens us, allows us to be more steadfast in trials, and encourages perseverance. How precious it is to have a friend who is with you – physically or by heart connection – by your side, sharing in your life, growing in care, strengthening one another, enjoying life’s triumphs together, and comforting in hurts.

We’ll conclude with this reminder:

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-12a