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Intergenerational Friendships

Most of us are surrounded by our peers through our mid-20s. We go to school, participate in extracurricular activities, and have friends in our age group. Then we start our careers, and we’re suddenly thrown into an environment surrounded by people older—and sometimes younger—than us. 

When we enter this new season of life, we have one of two options: We can either embrace the opportunity these new relationships bring, or we can retreat to our comfort zone with our peers.

While it may be uncomfortable, it’s almost always better to choose to embrace these intergenerational relationships. Why? Because we have both the opportunity to learn and the opportunity to share. 

Take some time to evaluate any personal biases and stereotypes that you may have regarding other generations. Then, replace them with truth.

For example, if you think people older than you are going to look down on you, remember Timothy’s encouragement about that:  

Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12 NIV

However, with this Scripture in mind, it’s also important to remember that our perspectives are not the only “right” ways to live life. Check out the wisdom this Proverb offers: 

The first to speak in court sounds right—until the cross-examination begins. Proverbs 18:17 NLT 

So, find someone older than you or younger than you and start a conversation. It can be as simple as asking a question about what their 20s looked like, or asking them to share their best piece of advice with you. You might be surprised how many things you actually have in common.

After all, we are one body with one mission: to love God and love others. And when we come together from all generations, we can begin to reflect the diversity of the Kingdom of God. 

Pray: Heavenly Father, thank You for being a God of all generations. This gives me hope as I imagine what heaven will look like one day. I don’t want to miss the opportunities You have given me to share and receive wisdom from other generations. Help me be intentional about making friends from all generations, and show me what next steps to take to make my friend group more diverse and multigenerational. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Challenge: On a scale of 1-10, how much do you value relationships with people from other generations? Take one step today to move your number closer to 10.