EquipHer Vol. 3: "Intentionally Crafting Connections"Sample

Day 2: Recognizing Different Roles in Our Lives

As we touched on yesterday, not every relationship in our lives serves the same purpose. In fact, friends can fall into an array of different categories such as: close friends, associates, people we are called to help or advise. Recognizing these categories helps us to be more intentional in how we engage with different individuals.

Let’s explore these categories using examples from the Bible:

Close friends are those with whom we share deep emotional bonds, trust, and support. One of the most touching examples of friendship is Ruth’s relationship with Naomi (Ruth 1:16-17). Despite personal loss and hardship, Ruth remained deeply loyal to Naomi, saying, "Where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay." Ruth’s commitment to Naomi shows us what it means to have a friend who stands by us through both joy and sorrow. It’s important to nurture these kinds of relationships being aware that true friendships require effort.

Associates are people we work with or share common goals with, but without the same emotional depth as friends. For example, Paul had many companions in his ministry, like Barnabas and Mark (Acts 15:36-40), who helped him spread the Gospel. While they were valuable partners, their relationship wasn’t as close as Paul’s friendship with Timothy. Associates may come and go in different seasons, but they play an important role in helping us achieve specific goals at specific times.

People we are called to help or advise are those whom we are meant to invest in, often to guide them or help them grow. A powerful example is Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:1-42). Jesus poured into her life, offering spiritual truth and transformation. These relationships aren’t always emotionally reciprocal, but they are crucial for the growth of the person we are helping. We are often called to pour into others for their benefit, even if we don’t receive anything in return.

By understanding the roles each of these relationships play in our lives, we can engage with each of them more intentionally. We don’t need to expect every relationship to meet the same needs, and we can appreciate the unique value that each one brings.

Reflective Question:
Which relationships in your life fall into each of these categories? How can you better nurture your friendships, manage your expectations of associates, invest in your assignments, and seek guidance from your advisors?

Prayer:
Lord, help me discern the roles that different people play in my life. Give me the wisdom to nurture deep friendships, value the support of associates, pour into those You’ve assigned to me, and seek guidance from wise advisors. May my relationships reflect Your love and purpose. Amen.