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We were designed and destined for companionship, from the very beginning. In Genesis 2:18, God says that it is not good for man to be alone, which tells us that our Father never intended for His beloved children to do this life alone, in isolation.<\/p>\n
Our God, in His infinite love, first seeks a relationship with us (Deuteronomy 6:4, John 17:3). Those words sound easy to say (and even write), but ponder that for just a moment. Our God wants everything to do with you and me! He seeks after our hearts, minds, and souls while giving us precious promises to cling to and an instruction manual that lays out how to live and love others.<\/p>\n
God cares so much about our relationship with Him and others because He is a relational God (John 17:3). He even offers us a beautiful depiction of what our relations should look like, according to His will, when we read His Word. He calls us to submit to Him first, and then to faithfully serve our spouse (Ephesians 5:21-33). He asks us to responsibly raise our children (Proverbs 22:6), and to honor our parents (Ephesians 6:1-3). He also has much to say about friendships, knowing that \u201csweet friendships\u201d refresh our souls (Proverbs 27:9).<\/p>\n
Dear brothers and sisters, fellowship is not optional, it is essential for us to live a full and abundant life. But, while we may know this to be true, it isn\u2019t always so easy to create and cultivate Christ-centered friendships, especially since they are still marked by two imperfect people.<\/p>\n
Perhaps, you find yourself navigating a treacherous season of loneliness or enduring a friendship that comes with a little confusion or heavy conviction. God often puts us in various seasons in life, so that we can solely rely on and trust Him (Proverbs 3:5-6). It also gives us room to grow and learn more about ourselves and others.<\/p>\n
So, no matter where you find yourself today, I invite you to settle your heart and calm your soul by clinging to Jesus’ powerful words. Let\u2019s learn what He has to say about creating and cultivating friendships that focus on love.<\/p>\n
Photo Credit: \u00a9Pixabay\/trevoykellyphotography<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n If we want to emulate Jesus in our friendships and find those types of friends, we must know Him and what His Word has to say on the subject. Loving people was His ministry. His mission showed and shared compassion while serving others. Our Savior exuded kindness, spoke truth (John 16:33<\/a>), and was utterly selfless (John 3:16<\/a>).<\/p>\n Friendship was important to Jesus, as we see this intentional and purposeful exchange between Him and His beloved disciples, and close friends (John 12:1-3<\/a>). If we want to create Christ-centered friendships, we must teether ourselves to Christ, first. We can do that through prayer, digging into His Word, and following His example.<\/p>\n Photo Credit: Getty Images Signature\/Sean_Warren via Canva Pro<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Christ-centered friendships know their place and do not ask for more or less than God intended them to be. A faithful friend will respect and honor priorities and commitments while inspiring you to be a devoted husband or wife, loving parent, and compassionate son or daughter. Even more importantly, they must encourage each other to lean into our most trusted friend\u2014Jesus!<\/p>\n A friend who loves Jesus will love you. This is a call for us to do the same. What a beautiful interaction!<\/p>\n Photo Credit: Getty Images Signature<\/a>\/Ryan Lane<\/a>\u00a0via Canva Pro<\/em><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n So, it begs the question: Is all this work worth it? \u00a0I can truly understand that sentiment, especially in a season of unending, demanding, and unceasing stress due to raising a family, tending to an elderly parent, and juggling a career. It sometimes seems like a stretch of the imagination to even create space for another relationship that is just going to need more energy and effort.<\/p>\n But, in these precious relationships, the bottom line is that you will reap what you sow<\/a>. If you cast out seeds, while striving to be the kind of friend you want, in God\u2019s perfect timing, you will begin to see something truly special blossom and bloom.<\/p>\n1. We must be obedient to Jesus first.\u00a0<\/h2>\n
2. Learn about the qualities of a Christ-like friend.<\/h2>\n
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3. Invest in your relationships.\u00a0<\/h2>\n