Day 22
Have you ever wondered how to develop friendships with other Christians?
·Have you ever wondered about the importance of having Christian friendships?
Read: Acts 14:21-22
These verses describe how Paul and Barnabas, after preaching the gospel and making many disciples in the city of Derbe, returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch. They strengthened the disciples and encouraged them to remain steadfast in their faith, teaching that entering the kingdom of God involves enduring hardships.
Read: Ephesians 2:19
This verse conveys the idea that believers are no longer strangers or foreigners but are fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household. It emphasizes the inclusion of believers into a spiritual family, highlighting unity and belonging within the community of faith.
God never intended for us to struggle through life alone. You will notice a pattern in the Scriptures that God provides friends for our support. During tough times, King David turned to his dear friend Jonathan. When Naomi lost her husband and sons, she leaned on her daughter-in-law Ruth. Even Jesus, when he felt anxious about dying on the cross, asked his three closest friends, Peter, James, and John, to come pray with him.
Friends share our joys and sorrows. Friends help us see beyond our immediate circumstances to God’s grand, sweeping plan. And we can do the same for our friends.
So do we need Christian friends? When we truly love Jesus more than anything else, then we want to be able to share what is most important to us with our closest friends. Only other believers can fully understand our passion for Christ.
Let’s face it - we need each other. And that is just what God had in mind.
The greatest love a person can show is to die for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know what his master is doing. But I call you friends because I have made known to you everything I heard from my Father - John 15:13-15
Personal Application:
Additional Reading: Proverbs 27:17; Acts 11:23-24