Find Friendship.
Definition
In order to practice the way of Jesus, we must do so in community. Finding people to journey through life with is essential to life with God. Biblical friendship includes having a common purpose, authenticity, affirmation, forgiveness, and laughter. We are called to do life together and must have people around us pushing us closer to Jesus. This should also be fun! God did not make us as robots but real people who are called to find joy in life together.
“The physical presence of other Christians is a source of incomparable joy and strength to the believer.”
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Practices/Tools to grow in this area:
The best tool to grow in friendship is through being a part of a small group!
Small group is more than just a Bible study but truly a community of people doing actual life together!
Practical things to do for small group:
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This looks like eating together, studying together, running errands together. Not just doing a Bible study, but actually living your life together!
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Life with Jesus should be fun and there’s no one better to have fun with than our small groups. Invite your small group to watch movies, play sports, play games, etc., whatever you do for fun, do it with them. Love and laughter are important parts of life.
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Read the Bible, pray, and worship together, pushing each other closer to Jesus, asking questions, and diving deeper into what you’re learning.
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Take communion together to reflect and remember what Jesus did for you on the cross.
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Go around and encourage each other!
Questions to think/talk through:
What were your friendships like growing up?
What do you want in friendships?
Does being vulnerable with others come naturally for you or is it challenging? Why?
Are you an introvert or extrovert? Why do you think you’re that way?
Do you struggle with bitterness? Is there anyone you’re currently bitter with?
Do you usually initiate things or just go along for the ride? Why?
Recommended Reading:
Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Scriptures to Study:
Acts 2:42-47
42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.