Building Friendships
We are meant to be connected, to be part of the body of Christ, to have great and meaningful relationships. What makes a good friend? It starts with obeying God and choosing to love him and love others…
Deuteronomy 30:20 says “Choose to love the Lord your God and to obey him and commit yourself to him, for he is your life.” And 1 John 4:11 says “Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” Our motivation for loving others comes from understanding God’s love for us.
Another way to be a good friend is to have a thankful heart. Think of how much the Lord has blessed you. Genesis 12:2 says “I will bless you…and you will be a blessing to others.” How can you bless someone today? One way is to encourage them…
“Whatever you do or say, let it be as a representative of the Lord Jesus.”—Colossians 3:17. Our model for and motivation to be a good friend are Jesus Christ.
The Bible also says “love your neighbor as yourself.” Being a friend and loving others really starts with knowing who we are in Christ. We need to know who we are and find our identity in Christ before we can be a good friend. If we don’t love ourselves and see ourselves the way God sees us—as acceptable, valuable, lovable, forgivable, and capable—then we won’t be able to love others in the capacity that God wants us to.
What can you do this week to show your friends you appreciate them? Call a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while to say hi. Next time you’re meeting for coffee, treat your friend. Send an encouraging note in the mail. Having quality relationship and friendships and being a good friend are necessary for a healthy life. In building our Christian friendships we’re strengthening not only ourselves but also the body of Christ!
Deuteronomy 30:20 says “Choose to love the Lord your God and to obey him and commit yourself to him, for he is your life.” And 1 John 4:11 says “Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” Our motivation for loving others comes from understanding God’s love for us.
Another way to be a good friend is to have a thankful heart. Think of how much the Lord has blessed you. Genesis 12:2 says “I will bless you…and you will be a blessing to others.” How can you bless someone today? One way is to encourage them…
“Whatever you do or say, let it be as a representative of the Lord Jesus.”—Colossians 3:17. Our model for and motivation to be a good friend are Jesus Christ.
The Bible also says “love your neighbor as yourself.” Being a friend and loving others really starts with knowing who we are in Christ. We need to know who we are and find our identity in Christ before we can be a good friend. If we don’t love ourselves and see ourselves the way God sees us—as acceptable, valuable, lovable, forgivable, and capable—then we won’t be able to love others in the capacity that God wants us to.
What can you do this week to show your friends you appreciate them? Call a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while to say hi. Next time you’re meeting for coffee, treat your friend. Send an encouraging note in the mail. Having quality relationship and friendships and being a good friend are necessary for a healthy life. In building our Christian friendships we’re strengthening not only ourselves but also the body of Christ!
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