Friendship You Can Count On

In a world filled with constant change and surface-level connections, it’s not easy to find something genuine — something real that lasts even when life gets tough. Most of us know what it’s like to have friends who were there for the good times, but not when we truly needed them. 

Here in Ireland, research points to what some are calling an ‘epidemic of loneliness.’” Recent studies show that 1 in 5 people say they feel lonely most of the time — the highest rate in Europe. But loneliness doesn’t have to have the final word. Real, lasting friendship is possible.

In fact, research confirms that strong friendships can lower stress, anxiety, and depression, while boosting joy, confidence, and even lifespan. But this raises the question: what makes a true friend? Sometimes even the people we trust let us down. An ancient proverb offers a simple but powerful answer: “A friend loves at all times.” (Proverbs 17:17)

Jesus understood this deeply. He knew the pain of betrayal — one of His closest friends sold Him out for money. Yet instead of giving up, He demonstrated the greatest kind of love a friend can offer. He said:

“No one has greater love than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:13)

And He lived those words. “But God shows His love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) That’s the kind of faithful, sacrificial friendship Jesus still offers today.

As the old hymn says: “What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear… What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer.”

The good news is, you can know this friendship for yourself. A simple prayer can be the first step:

“Jesus, I open my heart to You. I need Your friendship in my life. I ask You to be my friend. Walk with me and help me with what I face.”

And you don’t have to walk this journey alone. Here in Dublin, there’s a Christian community ready to welcome you, support you, and share in the joy of real friendship. We would love to connect — just reach out!