Faithful Friendships by Ebun Falade
Maintaining FaithFul Friendships
Hebrews 10:23-25 23 Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. 24 Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near
- Intentionality: Being intentional about the friendships you build is very crucial, along with knowing the intentions of the other party. Do you really seek to grow spiritually with this person, or this just and academic / professional relationship? It can be all in a one tbh. But my point is that your intentions will determine how you engage with this individual. Keep in mind that we are called to feed what feeds us, aka have mutually beneficial relationships. This way, there should be growth on both ends in you are constantly sowing into each other. I always seek to being developed by relationships I build because: “If your presence didn’t change me, your absence certainly will not affect me.” Don’t be a parasite of a friend by taking without giving, and certainly do not play yourself and be a host.
- Vulnerability: We are called to be transparent with all, but vulnerability requires discernment and wisdom. If someone is truly your brother and sister and Christ, you should not be ashamed to be real with them, especially when you’re not in a good place because that is when you need their support and encouragement the most! Don’t let the enemy convince you that silence will avoid shame, he’s only making it so you can dig a deeper whole of sin for yourself. Share your downfalls with you friends as often has your share your victories, because everything is truly a testimony in the making!
- Comparison: If you have a friend in constant unhealthy competition with you, then this friendship does not have a solid foundation. God did not send you brothers and sisters in Christ so we can constantly compare them our walks to one another too see who is “ahead” or “behind.” He brought us together to build one another up, to hold each other accountable as we seek to live like christ. Many cases in which friends compare walks sprout from insecurities in the walk and/ or identity of one party. This is not a issue when its coming from pure intentions and is not frequent, but when its periodic and births envy and jealously you should definitely take action!
- Accountability: Be ready to take correction as much as you are willing to give it. If speaking up and rebuking your brother or sister when they desperately need it is too hard for you, you gotta man up in faith. (2 Timothy 4:2) You would want your friend to do that for you right? Then what’s the wait? Be ready to extend your faith over to your friend when their’s may be weak. Being accountable for your friend is being aware of their spiritual state and working to make sure they are still fighting the good fight. If you are constantly praying and fellowshipping with this individual, as well as lifting them up in personal prayer, God will place them in your heart when He wants to speak to them through you. You should not be oblivious to the fact that your friend is dying spiritually, because God has given us His Holy Spirit and the power of discernment to see through our friends fake smiles and lies. The Lord will really expose all of your friend’s tea to you that they were not planning on telling you just because He expects to keep them accountable!
- When times get tough SEEK GOD: Do not be quick to cut people off. If they are meant to leave your life, it honestly should not take too much effort on your part. Even friendships grounded in Him have rough times, and we have to remind ourself to act and speak in love and through His spirit rather that through emotions. Consider everything very carefully and ensure you hear from the Lord when it comes to potentially ending friendships!
Addition scriptures I suggest meditating on:
2 Timothy 4:2 —Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.
Paul’s Prayer for Spiritual Growth Ephesians 3:14-19
Hello loves❤️ My name is Ebunoluwa Angela Falade. I was born and raised in Maryland. I’m currently a sophomore studying Human Bio, Health and Society at Cornell and I am an aspiring pediatric surgeon. I gave my life to Christ on September 22nd, 2013! I love encouraging others and sharing laughs especially when it’s about Christ! My hobbies are being extra on Snapchat, dancing, and watching Grey’s Anatomy.