Faith and Friendship
RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:
Proverbs 13: 20
SHOW NOTES:
God has intended for every person to experience friendships. We are not only created for a relationship with God but for relationships with one another. God loves friendships! When we navigate friendships the right way–the way God has intended them to be– it’s a blessing for all.
Though every person is created for friendships, not every friendship is going to be for every person. When navigating friendships, it’s important to understand the qualities of a friend and the varying levels of friendship. Each will enrich the faith-based way of choosing and developing the friendships that are around us.
We become who we surround ourselves with. We have all heard the phrase, “Show me your friends, and I’ll show you your future.” A lot rides on the company we keep! When you become a Christian, some relationships change; it is natural for this to happen. Friendships are always evolving. As we grow in the things of God, our relationships may change and transform, too.
Take some time to examine your friendships–the ones you have and those you have been praying for. Reflect on the following and prepare your heart for friendships full of faith and connected to purpose!
What are the characteristics of a faith-based “girl gang”?
Faith-based friendships are rooted in the things of God. Faith-based friends are like-minded; your values align. If you’re searching for these types of relationships, be reminded that you may not normally gravitate toward one another. The common denominator in faith-based friendships is Jesus and how He has changed each of your lives–your past, present, and future. Are you both growing your family in faith? Are you pursuing the plans God has for you? Are you cheering one another on rather than in competition or comparison?
Let Jesus be the cord that binds your friendship together!
If you’re going to have friendships that enrich your life, you will have to accept that there are different levels to friendships. Ask yourself, are your friendships about proximity or purpose?
The first level of a friend is simply an acquaintance, someone you have occasional contact with including very surface-level conversation.
The second level of friendship is the friend based on proximity. You most likely know them better than an acquaintance, but the friendship may have been dictated by circumstance, not choice. Perhaps you have always been “close” due to sporting events or carpooling involving your children. You offer encouragement, have friendly conversations, listen, and learn more about them, but the friendship doesn’t go much deeper than that.
The last level of friendships is the intimate relationship where connection has been created from a healthy degree of vulnerability. You each pour into one another’s lives, making a positive impact, all while honoring God.
Be the friend you would want someone else to be, and you will attract the friends in life God wants you to have!