This post is the first of a four-part series based on the message about friendships that I shared in chapel at Grove City College on February 9, part of the college's Focus Week on relationships. To listen to the complete message, click here.
We have been taught the art of friend-making since we were young: "If you want to have a friend, you have to be one first." As toddlers, we learn how to share and play nicely together. But, friendship goes deeper than that. I believe we can best live out our calling as friends when we live out our calling as Christians.
Through the writings of Paul, we can get an idea of how we're called to live in relationship with others:
"Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love..." Colossians 3:12-14
" Love must be sincere... Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves... Practice hospitality. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another." Portions of Romans 12
"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should not look only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." Philippians 2:3
Being a friend and living in relationship with others is a high calling!
There are different types of friendships that have value throughout our lives, one of which is companionship. Companions share the common ground of the same place, same time, and same purpose. This could be your classmates, teammates, small group members, co-workers... These friends are important! They help us feel connected in a group and develop camaraderie while accomplishing a difficult task.
I really value meaningful conversations with people. I developed an appreciation for an eventual enjoyment of coffee just so I could "meet for coffee" with people! As someone who values intentional relationships, I might be tempted to overlook the importance of companionship. But companions need not stick to surface-level conversations. The Lord can speak through poignant conversations with people we wouldn't consider our closest friends or who are only in our lives for a season.
How is God speaking to you through the people around you? How can you encourage others who are in the same place at the same time working toward the same purpose as you?
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