"In friendship, we realize that it is the sharing of experiences and emotions from both sides that brings closeness. The sharing of hearts brings intimacy and trust." Kathy Spampinato

Good communication is the successful sharing of ideas and thoughts. With any relationship, clear communication helps build trust and confidence in each other. In friendship, we realize that it is the sharing of experiences and emotions from both sides that brings closeness. The sharing of hearts brings intimacy and trust.

The more you know and understand your friend, the more you trust them with your confidences. When you do things that both of you enjoy, your level of shared interests increases. The more time you spend together, the more your affection grows. You are building a mutual admiration as your activities and conversations build unity and trust. You find you want to spend more and more time together because you get so much out of it. The understanding, love, and commitment you share makes it easy to pick up on nuances and relate to each other without stress. Your communication just becomes easy.

I'd like to relate this kind of friendship and communication, to our relationship with Jesus. We understand intellectually that Jesus is committed to us, loves us, and willingly gave His life to save us and set us free. Does this understanding influence our communication with Him? There is the old hymn that states: "What a Friend We Have in Jesus", but do we treat our relationship like the friendship we have developed over years with someone we're really close to? Do we trust Jesus with the inner workings of our soul? Do we share our hearts openly and honestly and build trust with Him? When we have a difficult situation or a hard day, do we immediately want to talk to our friend and get their comfort and reaction? Do we listen to their advice?

The Bible has a lot to say about friendship, and reveals the kind of relationship God offers.

John 15:13 "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends."

Proverbs 17:17 ESV, "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity."

Ecclesiastes 4:10 "For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!"

Let's take a look at the ways we grow a friendship, and purpose to build that with Jesus!

• First, we get to know each other's character and personality. We ask lots of questions to find out their interests and "what makes them tick". With Jesus, the Bible shows us His story and His character. When we read it, we understand God's priorities and preferences. We can decide to share His values.

• We listen when our friend shares, and we seek understanding of their view and opinions. We learn of their life experiences and offer support and empathy for the struggles they've had. With God, we learn to hear His voice in the Bible, but we also talk together. We pray in a two-way conversation. After we pour out our requests, grievances, and emotions, do we listen for that still small voice that is communicating back to us?

• We do things together just for fun. We can enjoy God's presence in worship.

• We talk honestly and deeply and do not hold back. They've seen the good and the bad. The Lord knows our heart. It's time we share honestly with Him. He can help us with our attitudes, opinions and heartaches. God is our defender, healer, and guide.

• We both open up our hearts with each other, because we trust each other. God IS love, and IS faithful, so we can trust Him with our deepest feelings, anxieties, and hopes. The more we share, the more we receive, and the more we are able to trust.

• The longer we share our friendship, the deeper the bond we have, and the more trust we have built. This is the same with our relationship with Jesus. The longer we persevere in trusting Him, the more we have a deep sense of knowing and loving Him. Their is no anxiety in our conversation. After all, we've been through a lot together.

Psalm 46:1-2 "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea."

Let's take a look at this admonishment from God's Word.

Proverbs 3: 5-7 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.

in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn from evil. "

My friend, Jesus is the lover of your soul and will never leave you or forsake you. He knows your heart and loves you. Time with Him is well spent and will add depth and peace to your life. You can build a deep and trusting friendship with Him. It takes one step at a time!