The Power of a Vertical Relationship

We all experience difficult times in life. No one is exempt from seasons of weakness, sorrow, discouragement, and brokenness—moments when we need help and support from others. The Lord knows this. He “knows how weak we are; He remembers we are only dust”. And a true friend is a gift, in fact, “a real friend sticks closer than a brother” when times get hard (see Proverbs 18:24b).

The Lord designed us to be in community because He wants us to remember He is God and we are not, and within a community of love, a healthy friendship is a reflection of His goodness. When we are there for each other during difficult times, the love, sup-port and encouragement we receive from one another is like fuel from heaven, energy we desperately need to keep moving forward and up-ward.