Thrive: The Five Pillars of Fruitful RelationshipsSample

The 5 C’s of Friendships 

Adult friendships are hard and thriving in them is easier said than done. As we step into adulthood, it becomes more difficult to maintain friendships based on convenience and proximity. These attributes no longer sustain our adult friendships, and we simply need a stronger foundation. Developing, maintaining, and navigating adult friendships is not only ideal but also essential because our relationships determine the direction of our lives. So why do so many of us struggle with adult friendships? Perhaps it's because we know the "what" but not the "how."

We’ve found that there are five pillars that support the foundation of every friendship: Commitment, Communication, Consistency, Compassion and Confession. These 5 C’s are the "how." On their own, these pillars are helpful tools at best. But together, and with the influence of the Holy Spirit, they offer immeasurable support and stability to our friendships. 

These pillars are similar to the incredible white columns that support the monuments in our current city, Washington, D.C. In addition to being a source of strength and beauty, pillars keep the buildings stable by providing the reinforcement necessary to support the weight of the structures. Similarly, the five grounding pillars of adult friendships provide the same stability necessary for them to thrive. Without these pillars, our friendships are susceptible to irreparable damage and eventually, fail to survive.

Over the next few days, we’ll explore how to define and apply each of these pillars. It is our hope that you’d leave this plan with truth and tools that will help you confidently develop, maintain, and navigate healthy friendships. Friendships aren’t easy, and they will never be perfect, but the more we incorporate these pillars, the more beauty and strength we’ll experience.

Pray: Lord, I want to thrive in friendships. I am honored to care for the people you’ve placed in my life and want to do so in a way that honors you. Open the eyes of my heart to the ways I need to grow. I invite you in to change my perspective, attitude, and approach to my friendships. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

Reflect: What have you found most difficult about developing, maintaining, and navigating healthy friendships? To that point, which of the 5 C’s are you most excited to explore to support you in your friendships?