"Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ." 1 Cor. 11:1
Christ's Example:
Who has ever felt alone?
Who has felt rejected or an oddball or just plain weird?
Who has wanted friends? (even just one..)
How many would love to see something great happen in one year?
Friendships are important. We need to begin developing traits for being a good friend to others and to form some lifelong friendships with those around us. We are Christians that means "Christ-like" or "followers of Christ." As we study Jesus' life, we see that He developed FOUR different kinds of friendships.
Being a Spiritual Friend:
(Jesus to Peter, James, and John)
I want you to think about someone who you would deem a spiritual person... Not just someone that is nice or has high standards, but someone who you think has a very close walk with Christ. Someone you admire among your peers.
Jesus had three "close" friends under Him. He would often separate them from the rest of disciples. They were Peter, James, and John. They became Christian leaders. Peter became the rock on which he built his church. (At first, He was unstable, but afterwards He became a solid rock for the Lord.) James wrote an epistle. John was the beloved of the Lord. Jesus invested a lot of time with these three. He showed them special events. He cared them, prayed for them, encouraged them, and loved for them. Who are your closest friends? Who do you spend the most time with? Write these names down.
1 Corinthians 2:14
"But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." 1 Cor. 2:14
We naturally want to surround ourselves with people who are on the same level as we are. We don't always look for people who will challenge us and keep us accountable.We, naturally, like having friends who please us. This is a "natural" or carnal friendship. We often have these friendships because they make us feel good. We like to be comfortable!
And yet there is another option. It's an "unnatural" or spiritual friendship. Remember how I asked you who you thought was most spiritual person in this group? It can be intimidating to try and build a friendship with someone who you feel is a "super christian"… But that person is someone who you know will pray for you if you have trials. A spiritual/Biblical friendship is based upon Jesus Christ. This friendship is best because it challenges our walk with Christ and encourages us to draw closer to Him. It often can turn into a lasting relationship.
John 13:35
"By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." John 13:35
My two closest friends now live out of these state. Honestly… at first, I didn't really want to be their friends. (Shocking, I know.) I admired them from a distance but was scared they would judge me for my flaws and imperfections or look down on me; instead, they have only loved me. They have inspired me and encouraged me in my Christian walk. They pray for me often. I'm thrilled that God gave me these sweet ladies to be my spiritual friends!
Here are some tips for...
Growing Biblical Friendships:
#1 Say hello and Sit by them in church. (everybody loves a smile :) )
#2 Get to know them. Take it slow. (don't shove your friendship down their throat, relationships take time)
#3 Ask for prayer requests. Pray for them and ask them to pray for you.
#5 Be interested what they have to say. (Listen, don't just hear)
#6 Share a Bible verse or a spiritual topic with them. (Compare notes, share ministry stories, edify each other)
#7 Encourage them in their talents or abilities. (EVERYONE is self-conscious [I don't like public speaking] but I was encouraged by my husband)
#8 Forgive them. (someone eventually somewhere will let you down, don't hold grudges)
#9 Spend time with them. (Go on coffee date. Go bowling. Do a craft or project together)
#10 Love them! :D
Pro. 27:17
"Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend." Proverbs 27:17
A spiritual friend will sharpen you. Be someone worth rubbing up against and you will be sharpened as well!
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