Eccl. 4:9-10 Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor. 10 For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up. Jr. High Illustration
We need people to pick us up C.S. Lewis said Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, "What! You, too? I thought I was the only one."
I believe that the Bible teaches at least four practices for being a spiritual friend. I think that we don’t experience these friendships because we do not posses these characteristics in our own lives.
The Golden rule, basic principle that is so difficult to live up to.
Before we get into the four practices we must come to the conclusion that if we live out the Golden rule when it comes to friendships, we are doing our part and hopefully it will inspire others to follow that example.
1. A Spiritual friend is honest with their friend even if when it hurts Pro 27:6
Rom 15:14, Col. 3:16, admonish, exhort (counsel against something), or correcting someone when they are wrong. There is a risk in friendship when you do that. James 5:16 confess, I wronged you
Confrontation Paul confronted Peter in Antioch because he was being a hypocrite and had such a great influence on others. Galatians 2:11-12
A small boy defined a friend as "Someone who knows all about you and likes you just the same.", things about you bother me but you are still my friend.
2. A Spiritual friend is loyal no matter the circumstances David and Jonathan Saul’s Son 1 Sam. 20 Tell story
Author George Eliot, said
Oh, the comfort, the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person, having neither to weigh thoughts, nor measure words, but to pour them all out just as they are, chaff and grain together knowing that a faithful hand will take and sift them, keep what is worth keeping, and then, with the breath of kindness blow the rest away.
We desire to have someone we can be real with, but we need to be real before them.
1. Rom. 12:15 rejoice, weep,
2. Rom: 15:7 Receive to take in
3. A Spiritual Friend should be able to work through conflict Pr 27:17 Iron sharpens Sparks fly
1. Mutual respect, Eph. 4:32
2. Forgiving (from grace) Col. 3:13
Someone once said Prosperity brings friends, Conflict proves them.
There is something wrong with you if you switch friends all the time, They did this to me…
Sometimes as Christians it is appropriate to agree to disagree Acts 15:36-41 Paul and Barnabas go their separate ways in a conflict over John Mark
4. A Spiritual friend lays down their life No Greater Love John 15:13
"A friend is the one who comes in when the whole world has gone out."
Going out of your way for others is like laying down your life, As a spiritual friend you are actually giving your life to meet others needs.
· John 13:34, 15:12 Loving them
• Gal. 5:13 Serving them
• Eph. 4:2 bearing burdens to hold up Col 3:13
• Eph 5:21 submitting (I will listen and follow you)
• 1 Thess. 4:18 comfort to aid, encourage Heb. 3:13. (Take time)
• 1 Thess. 5:11 building them up. (Take thoughtfulness)
• Heb 10:24 considering them observing & noticing their needs
• James 5:16 praying for them
All these things take time, effort and going out of your way. In some senses “Laying down your life”
John 15:14-15 Jesus said “you are my friends if you do what I command”.
GOSPEL
There is actually a three fold blessing for being a spiritual friend
1 We walk close with Jesus.
2. People may return the favor
3. We are an example to others of the love that Jesus has for us.
“Jesus said that others will know that you are my disciples by your love for one another”.
New Jersey is one of the least churched states at 15 percent church attendance and only 4 percent are of those people attend churches that believe that the Bible is the only authority.
Developing the characteristics of a spiritual friend will have a great impact for the Gospel in a spiritually dark place.
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