It happened again. They met at their mutual friend’s wedding. He was one of the groomsmen and she was the bride’s maid. During the month-long preparation, they fell in love, and within a year, they announced their engagement. I have witnessed this twice and I am certain that this is far more common than generally reported.

It is not surprising. The close friends of the bride and groom should certainly have many similar traits and friendship and even love could easily blossom with members of the wedding party. Yet, for as many successful relationships, there are probably far more that never materialize or are successful. 

In my life, there are many examples of people whom I have admired, who were close friends to my friends. These people shared many of their same traits. Although we would often spend time together, I never became close to them as I did to our shared friend. The reasons are many and as complex as all relationships are. Despite some successful relationships beginning at wedding parties, shared relationships with a close friend are not enough to guarantee a successful relationship.

Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. 

John 15:13-14 (NKJV)

Even within the Body of Christ, His Holy Church, there is conflict among the members. The Bible records many examples of these disagreements. There were conflicts between the Apostle Paul and Peter. There were conflicts between the disciples as some jockeyed for positions of leadership. A relationship with Jesus Christ is holy and sacred. However, we are all sinners, striving to be transformed to become more like our Lord and Savior. Until we are in His presence in Heaven, it is a journey that is not always a straight path. 

What is our response? We should rejoice that we have a relationship with our Lord and Savior, the perfect God-Man. We must be comforted that in this life, we may not have the benefit of a close friendship with other believers, but we are given something much deeper and special. We are brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ. We will have eternity to enjoy this relationship in the presence of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Amen!

Love and trust in the Lord; seek His will in your life.