Guest blogger: Dawn Levene - The importance of friendship

A friend loves at all times and a brother is born for a time of adversity (Proverbs 17:17).

Just recently, I received some news – not terrible, but not the greatest either. It just so happened that all the news came to me all at once. As a result, I was left feeling very overwhelmed, which led me to have a meltdown. Yes, I trust God and know he will work things out. Nevertheless, in the moment the human side of me just took over.

After I dried my tears, I start reflecting. Why was I so overwhelmed, and why did I have the meltdown? There were many factors that contributed to it, but the one that stood out most was the absence of my community (my friends, my sisters, my prayer group). I am from Jamaica, recently settled in Connecticut, and it is not easy being so far away from my community.

I came to realize that true friendship is a gift that time cannot tarnish and distance cannot diminish. It is more than shared laughter or mutual interest; it is a bond of trust, loyalty, and grace. Like any other valuable thing, friendship require time, effort, and intentionality. It is not a passive association, but an active commitment, one that must be treasured and nurtured.

Friendship calls for honesty, but also gentleness. It means giving space when needed and presence when it matters most. It tries on forgiveness, because even the best of friends will stumble. And it goes through seasons of joy and sorrow, weaving memories that become part of the friendship’s identity.

It is also true that not everyone who starts with you will finish with you. Even in Jesus's circle, there were those who betrayed, denied and abandoned him. But Jesus still invested in those relationships, knowing that true friendship is not about convenience, but about commitment.

The Bible reminds us that “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” God often uses our friends as His own hands and feet to comfort, encourage and strengthen us. And in turn, He invites us to be a blessing to others.

When we cherish our friendship and nurture it with prayer, kindness and patience, we reflect the heart of Jesus, who called His disciples not just servant but friends (John 15:15). Friendship at its best is a living echo of His love.

So, as much as I miss my community, God is making a way for me. He promises to never leave me nor forsake me (Deuteronomy 31:8). And so, even when I receive terrible news, and even when I am melting down, I cannot hide from my God, who calls me His friend (Psalm 139).