Wednesday, November 15, 2023

As we continue our journey At the Movies, we discover the ways God's qualities are revealed through his creation, including the stories on the screens we watch. Today, we delve into the theme of building trust in our friendships by listening well and being vulnerable about our challenges.

In the hustle and bustle of life, we often overlook the significance of being a good friend. Listening is about understanding the heart of the person speaking. When we truly listen, we make room for trust to flourish in our relationships.

James 5:16
Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.

Trust is nurtured when we practice vulnerability. Sharing our challenges, struggles, and shortcomings is not a sign of weakness, but of strength. It allows us to connect on a deeper level and provides an opportunity for prayerful healing, both for the person speaking their story and the one listening.

A few weeks ago, amidst the chaos of work deadlines and personal commitments, I found myself caught up in the whirlwind of life. It was during one of those overwhelming days that I chose to text a friend and ask her to meet for coffee.

We realized the significance of that moment. When we met, we each shared the challenges we were facing—struggles that we had been oblivious to in the midst of our own busy lives. Instead of brushing off each others’ concerns or rushing the conversation, we chose to truly listen.

We set aside our to-do lists, muted notifications, and gave each other undivided attention. As we poured out our hearts, the hustle and bustle of life faded into the background, and our friendship took center stage.

When we do this, listening becomes more than just hearing words—it becomes an act of love. By actively engaging in authentic conversations, we create a space for trust to flourish. In being present, we communicate that our feelings are valid and valued.

This is the love and friendship Jesus demonstrated to us, and the life he calls us to.

John 15:17
This is my command: Love each other.

Questions:
How well do you listen to your friends when they share their thoughts and feelings? What steps can you take to improve your listening skills?

Are there challenges or struggles in your life that you have been hesitant to confess to a friend? How might opening up about them strengthen your friendship and provide an opportunity for healing?

Next Steps:
Be encouraged to attend a service every week and invite a friend to join you on this transformative journey of faith and friendship.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of friendship and the opportunity to grow closer to you through my relationships with others. Help me become a better friend by teaching me to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger (James 1:19). Guide me in understanding that true strength lies in vulnerability and honesty, as I trust in your love and healing power. Grant me the courage to open my heart to my friends, sharing our challenges and struggles. May our friendships be marked by trust, empathy, and mutual support. In Jesus' name, amen.

Series Theme Verse:

Romans 1:20

For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.

This post was written by Monique Myers, a first time contributor to the LivingItOut Devotional.