The Foundation of Lasting Love: Genuine Friendship
Christina Roberson-Smeltzer
VP of Public Affairs, Certified Coach, Best-Selling Author, Founder X3, Franchise Partner at Maze of Life, Advisor
What makes a relationship last? Is it shared values? Physical attraction? Character traits?? A commitment to growth???
All of these matter, but one factor consistently stands out: friendship.??
Think about a couple you admire—one that has stood the test of time. What do you notice about them? Chances are, they enjoy being around each other. They laugh, they share, they support one another too—not just as spouses, but as true friends.??
The Bible gives us a clear example of this kind of deep, committed friendship in Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NIV):??
"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up."
Marriage is a partnership, but even more, it’s a friendship rooted in mutual love and support. Studies back this up—research in the Journal of Marriage and Family found that couples who consider their spouse their best friend report higher levels of life satisfaction. Genuine friendship creates a deep emotional bond that weathers the ups and downs of life.??
A Real-Life Story of Friendship in Marriage??
A couple we recently spoke with—let’s call them Jake and Lisa—came to us struggling with their connection. Life had gotten busy. Between work, kids, and responsibilities, their relationship felt more like a business partnership than a marriage. They still loved each other, but they weren’t enjoying each other.??
So we asked them:??
- When was the last time you had fun together—just the two of you???
- Do you know what’s been on your spouse’s heart this week???
- Have you shared a lighthearted moment recently???
These simple questions reminded them that their strongest seasons as a couple were the ones where they prioritized friendship. So, they started making small changes—leaving each other notes, taking short walks together, and sharing inside jokes. Slowly, their connection deepened again.??
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Now, it’s your turn to reflect:??
?? Do you and your spouse make time for lighthearted moments???
?? When was the last time you had a conversation that wasn’t about logistics???
?? Do you feel like your partner truly knows you—not just your schedule, but your values…. your thoughts and dreams???
Proverbs 17:17 (NIV) tells us, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” This is the essence of a God-centered marriage—a friendship that stands firm in every season.??
Companionship produces the strongest relationships. Invest in your friendship, and you’ll create a marriage that’s not only loving but lasting.??
Cheering you on in Faith and Growth,??
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P.S. We’d love to hear from you! Hit reply and tell us—what’s one thing you and your spouse do to keep your friendship strong??
#FriendshipInLove #CouplesGoals #LoveAndLaughter #RelationshipFoundation #BestFriendsForever #DiscoverABetterYou #TheCoachChristina #ChadSmeltzer #Blogger
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4 周These are inspiring words. Thank you. The greatest strengths of our marriage are the friendship and trust that my wife and I share. Those foundations are rooted in being "equally yoked" in our faith in God, and our mutual understanding that all that we are and have been blessed with are stewardships to be used in the service of our neighbors. We trust God to deliver our needs as we faithfully use what has been entrusted to us to serve others. We recognize that nothing we have truly belongs to us. We have been blessed so that we can be servants to bless others. God has never failed us. And that faith keeps us strong as a couple when faced with the inevitable stresses of life that rip so many other couples apart.
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4 周Awesome thank you ????