God loves when we love his children. He asks us to step into the “messy” lives of others both actively and practically. He even tells us that it is through our love for one another that we come to know him better (1 John 4:7). It is a gift, in and of itself, that he has invited us to take part in the care of his people—just as it is a gift that he’s provided others to take part in caring for us. Time and again, we neglect this gift because it feels “too hard” or we don’t “know enough” to help. But the truth is, God has graciously given us all the tools we need to care for one […]
Friendship
9 posts
The authors of 31 Ways to be a “One-Another” Christian have provided a vital insight for gift giving this Christmas season. Do your gifts show that you care from your heart or do your gifts represent attempts to make others appreciate you? We tend to give gifts based on how much money we have to spend. However, by focusing on caring for one-another the funding that matters is that largeness of your heart. Listen to this distinction from the eighth way to be a One-Another Christian: Caring for one another is not just having an affectionate feeling toward another believer. Caring is not merely an emotional feeling, just as love is not merely a feeling. Both care and love are […]
Which friends can you trust? This question has haunted humans since the beginning. Abel trusted his brother, Cain. Cain asked Abel to go out to the field with him. Abel was apparently unaware of the building hatred that his brother had for him. Despite Abel’s trust, Cain attacked and killed his brother. Psalm 62 speaks of this hidden, selfish agenda of deception and hatred. Speaking of his enemies, David says: They plan to topple me from my high position. They delight in telling lies about me. They praise me to my face but curse me in their hearts. The darkness of the human heart doesn’t change. What can we learn from David and the narrative of Cain? There are at […]
The DNA of Eternity is Relationship. Eternity exists because God exists. God is about the ultimate relationship of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Thus, eternity is about relationships. In this context, people were designed for relationships, both with God and with each other. Humans did not evolve into relationships, we are made for them. Specifically, we are designed to thrive in the climate of friendship. In the beginning, these friendships were based on total trust and fidelity. Think of the wonder of the whole planet being united in mutual dependence, submission, relationship, and purpose. That would be nothing short of joy on earth. However, because of the fall, we will have to wait for heaven to see […]
“Mommy, Heather was so mean to me today at school. She laughed at me and told me I look dumb. I thought she was my best friend! I am really, really sad. I just want to stay home and not go back, ever.” Your daughter has just experienced how cruel and sad life can be. Your first thought is to protect and defend her from the cruel words. But, then you want to see how God can use this to prepare your daughter for the difficult challenges that life will bring to her. You want her to know that through the hurt she can know and experience joy and the comfort of God. What brings joy to you profoundly impacts […]
2018 is just hours into its existence. Talk of resolutions for the coming year is everywhere. This new year, why not forget about resolutions and go for a clothing makeover! Don’t worry, this new set of clothes won’t break the bank. In fact, it won’t cost you anything, except your pride! What store offers this kind of makeover? This makeover is not about physical clothing. These new clothes are fashioned by the Holy Spirit. Putting them on will change the way people look at you and make you a more attractive person! They will do more to enhance your appearance to others than any piece of material clothing could ever do. They will never go out of style or wear […]
Man was designed for friendship–with God and with other people. In the beginning, these friendships would have been based on upon total trust and fidelity. Think of the wonder of the whole planet being united in dependence, submission, relationship and purpose. That would be nothing short of joy on the earth. But as you know, because of the Fall, we will have to wait for heaven to see that reality fully worked out. We see only glimpses now of what could have been in our human relationships, and we live with the reality of just how tragic and destructive human relationships have become. Despite these obstacles, people are still looking for friendship. But without God, friendship is sought for selfish […]
What’s really important in life? What are the goals you set for yourself, for your children? Do these goals center on things like grades, good jobs, a sound financial position, a comfortable house, personal accomplishments, a secure retirement? These all have their upside. But they all miss the mark of what is most important in life. The Sadducees and the Pharisees were playing tag team against Jesus. In one particular go-around the Sadducees had failed get the upper hand. Now it was the Pharisees turn to entrap him. The stakes in this game were high — the life of Jesus. A clever Pharisee made the next attempt. In a tone of mock deference, he asked, “Teacher, which is the greatest […]
“Whatever you need, I’ve got your back!” Sounds like the words of a true friend, someone who will do anything for you. If you are discouraged, this friend will find the bright side. If there is something you want, this friend will help you get it. If there is a dispute with someone, this friend will always be on your side. This friend always has something good to say about you and never gives you a hard time. This friend is someone you can trust. Maybe not. “Friends” who will always do what you need may not really be your friend. Instead, whatever good they do for you comes with a hidden price. The apparent selflessness may be a cover […]