![]() Are you willing to endure to show your friend you’re available to them? There’s no doubt that difficult times can be uncomfortable and awkward. When crisis arrives in the laps of your friends, where are you? ![]() This one is relatively easy to spot, but harder to practice. Many of us will be 90% vulnerable with our loved ones, but few will be genuinely transparent. But it’s the person who’s willing to lovingly bring it to your attention who’s the honest, biblical friend.ĭo you have that kind of person in your life? Are you that kind of friend? Experiencing authentic, biblical friendships requires transparency. Here’s how you can know you’ve met a lifelong friend: When someone is willing to risk the discomfort and awkwardness and potential cold shoulder from you, and tell you the hard truth anyway.īecause if there’s an issue in your life, I suspect a lot of people around you see it and are aware of it. A lot of us struggle with being transparent in relationships, but even the most candid person will only go as far as 90%.ĭo you have the courage to tell 100% of the truth? Ask him or her to coffee, to meet for a run, or to help you with a project.Īsk God to show you how to connect and then make it happen.īeing honest means telling the last 10%. ![]() Find the one or two people in the group, or in your outer circle, that you feel a connection to, and start pursuing them. ![]() T here’s only so much connecting and growing you’re going to do in a group of eight or ten. As much as we try to fight it and excuse ourselves from the work of intentional relationships, it’s the stuff of which deep connections are made. Be INTENTIONALĪuthentic community does not happen accidentally. You haven’t even considered him or her because of those surface details.īe open to new relationships that God might have for you.Īfter all, you aren’t seen by your outward appearance by God - He weighs the heart, and He knows what kind of friend will refine and encourage you. It likely won’t surprise you that this person is similar to you in looks and age, socio-economic status, educational accomplishments and even hobbies.īut, God might have a best friend waiting for you and they don’t fit into that mold. Subconsciously, most of us have a “type” of person we gravitate towards. Be AWAREīe on the lookout God orchestrates circumstances and chemistry. Their unexpected but sincere friendship beautifully illustrates the bond that is possible between God’s people when they are connected by faith and commitment.Īs followers of Christ, we can also focus on developing characteristics in our lives to build genuine biblical friendships with other believers. In 1 Samuel 18-20, the writer explores the dramatic lives of beloved friends Jonathan and David. 7 Key Elements That Are Exclusive To Building Genuine Biblical Friendships Stick around to hear more about that.įor now, let’s explore the principles that will nurture and develop authentic fellowship. Is that you? Or maybe you’re a new believer and you aren’t sure how this whole church thing works, let alone biblical friendships.Ĭan authentic, impactful relationships between members of the body be nurtured within the church community? Can intimate connections develop among an eclectic mix of different people from different perspectives and backgrounds? Jesus says so, and He even reveals the one non-negotiable element for making that happen. In fact, some Sunday morning church attendees arrive alone, worship alone, and leave alone. As a result, we also feel disconnected from our faith community. Sometimes we feel disconnected and unknown by others we lack true friendships. Would you like to experience that kind of connection? Genuine, biblical friendships will transform your life and ignite your faith. But do we know how to move from small talk to intimacy? Can you imagine having the kind of biblical friendship that’s based on commitment, loyalty and pointing each other to Jesus? We know how to initiate conversation and find shared interests. Since our childhoods, we’ve been creating associations with others. Use the links below to jump ahead within the article and discover the 7 key elements that are exclusive to building a genuine friendship with other believers. Get a relational profile of an authentic disciple of Christ! Free MP3 Listen Now
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