Fashioned By Godનમૂનો

You Were Fashioned For Fellowship With God And Other Believers

Did you have a best friend while growing up? The year I turned seven, Debbie moved into our neighborhood. Our dads worked together, and the two of us hit it off right away. Over the years, we shared secrets and dreams, meals with each other’s families, and participated in all the same activities. We even wrote little stories that we acted out.

Jesus called his followers “friends” in John 15:15. What elements of friendship do you find in your relationship with Jesus? Spending time together, sharing our concerns and hopes, reading his words and writing (or telling) your own to Him are all things we need to include for a vibrant relationship with Jesus.

Friendship with other believers is also vital. While we may not choose to live in community the way the first church did in Acts, the principles still apply. Sharing meals, worshiping together, and praying with each other draw us into close fellowship. Sometimes, friends can get crossways with each other, but maintaining a positive outlook through daily praise helps minimize those occurrences. Are you connected to a like-minded group of believers? Do you participate in activities every week with them? What is one way you can become a more involved member?

Do you have a friend who is honest with you and knows how you think? If you do, take this friend shopping with you when you need to buy the clothes you hate shopping for. A friend can help us make good decisions and lend support on these tough missions. Afterward, stop for coffee or lunch to restore joy and ease any stress that may have built up from the trip. Building a stylish wardrobe is not a do-it-yourself activity. Friends help us make it through the hard parts, just like they do in the rest of our lives.