Approved by the local outreach coordinator of the Office of Spiritual Life on September 20, 2023
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07/14/2025
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Going to college is a great way to meet new people, but you may also find yourself hundreds of miles away from some of your closest hometown friends. Having and maintaining a long-distance friendship isn’t easy and can require a shared effort from both parties. This devotional will look at ways you can overcome the challenges of a long-distance friendship and help you find encouragement when it starts to feel difficult.
In This Devotional:
Friends can be so important and valuable during every stage of your life. However, the way your friendships look could change during different stages in your life. Your time in college may be the first time you are experiencing a long-distance friendship. It can be difficult to maintain a strong friendship when you are separated by so much distance.
Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. - Romans 12:10 NIV
A key to maintaining a long-distance friendship is to continue valuing your friend. Learn how to put effort into your friendship and do things to show you care for one another despite the new dynamic you have.
Long-distance friendships are not easy. This doesn’t mean you should give up or feel like your friendship is falling apart. All long-distance friends face similar challenges in their friendships. It is normal for there to be lows in your friendship while you are experiencing this separation.
A friend loves at all time, and a brother is born for a time of adversity. - Proverbs 17:17 NIV
Lows in a long-distance friendship might be:
Friendships are such a blessing, and it was God’s design that we not have to walk through life alone. God designed humans to desire close friendships and to rely on one another during the good times and the bad. Having friends that live far away can be challenging but can also strengthen your friendship. Being a good friend isn’t always easy but putting effort into being a good friend can be a rewarding experience.
If either of them falls down, can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. - Ecclesiastes 4:10 NIV
Physical closeness doesn’t mean a better friendship. Use this time to grow in closeness, trust and understanding about one another. You can work through problems and still be there for one another in significant ways even if you are far apart. You can also look forward to the joyous reunions you will have when you find time to visit one another. This time can build loyalty and connection in an even deeper way than you thought possible.
Grand Canyon University offers lots of opportunities for you to embrace a new community of potential friends. It can be hard to be away from old friends, but joining clubs or attending events on campus can help you foster new connections. Check out GCU’s wide range of clubs, organizations and student engagement to help you find community and build new friendships.
