Be Devoted: Living A Life That Can GrowSample

Devoted to Friendship

Studies show that families that eat together, stay together. I think, perhaps, the early church knew that long before studies began. Eating together creates an atmosphere for a more intimate expression of community. This is where the close interactions occur, and deeper relationships are forged. Family meals provide a sense of security and a feeling of belonging. They bind the participants together in a way most other activities cannot accomplish. It is team building at its best, enhanced with the pleasure of eating.

What are the benefits of this kind of relationship? 

These will be the people who bring soup to you on days when you cannot get out of bed to cook for yourself. They will encourage you when things get tough. They will grieve with you in your sorrows and celebrate with you in your successes. They will draw you back when your life goes off the rails and remind you God is still there. They will be your biggest cheerleaders, teaming up with you in a life that can sometimes be a challenge.

Think about the people you know. 

Which are the ones you know best? I would wager it will be the ones you have taken time to share a meal with. If we look to the Bible for inspiration, we see that Jesus spent a great deal of time eating and drinking with others. Sharing meals played a vital part of His ministry. Why? Perhaps for the same reasons its good to eat together today—to enter into each other’s lives at a more personal level.