When I was in elementary school, as part of a school assignment, we were given pen-pals.This was a child from another classroom to whom we would write a weekly letter to share the simple things that went on in our week. The teacher would gather our letters and deliver them to the corresponding students while we anxiously awaited a return letter of our own. I enjoyed this activity so much that as I got older, I made having pen-pals a common practice. Summer camps were great ways to meet new friends who lived in other parts of the state or country and that made our letter exchange even more exciting. As we grew older and technology began to evolve, we traded, the now old-fashioned, pen and paper for typing our letters and sending them electronically via the internet. Receiving personal emails became equally exciting! Soon those full-length letters were replaced by short paragraphs. Those became even shorter text messages, until finally letter writing became a thing of the past. Did I forget about those friends? Of course not! They friended me on social media and now we can see what is happening in each others lives via their posts and pictures where I can reply with a heart-felt reaction in the form of a thumb or heart, or if I have the time, I can leave a nice comment!

Those friendships once built on deep conversations full of feelings have waned. The meaning of friendship has changed and many of us have been left feeling lonely and isolated. Though we enjoy the benefits of the internet that keeps us loosely connected, we have come to miss the interaction.

God created us for relationships, both with Himself and others. The words of encouragement and affirmation have power and bring joy. While sitting in a jail cell, the apostle Paul wrote to his friends that he thanked God every time he remembered them (Phil. 1:3), which I am sure was often in his solitude! His constant words of encouragement garnered Paul many friends.

The days of pen-pals may be behind us, but technology can still aid us in sending out messages of affirmation. Text a friend how great it was to see them last week. Comment on how much you have missed spending time with them. Tell them how much Jesus loves them too!

Suggested prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for the gift of friendship! Help me be a good friend whose words and actions reflect your love and grace. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

1.    1 Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV).

Today’s Encounter was written by: Veronica B.