Sunday, May 12, 2024

This week, we begin our new series, Friends. At first blush, this topic may seem more appropriate for preschoolers, but research shows loneliness is something many people are struggling with and it significantly impacts our health and well-being. We aren’t designed to do life alone (Genesis 2:18).

Throughout Scripture we read about the qualities of a good friend and the joy they bring. Quality friendships do require effort, but they are definitely worth it. Lifegiving friends support us, celebrate with us, and help us grow. They want more for us than from us.

Proverbs 27:17
As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.

This week, invite God to open your eyes to what he wants to teach you about friendship and the blessings it offers. Set aside any distractions, close your eyes, and take a few slow, deep breaths. Ask the Lord to help you see where you can pour into the relationships you have and where you might be able to seek out new connections.

Finally, consider recording your responses in a journal, whether digital or hard copy. It's a great way to be able to look back on the adventure God has you on.

Prayer:
Father, thank you so much for the gift of friends to enrich our lives. Jesus demonstrated what true friendship looks like (John 15:13-15). Help me love my friends well. Open my eyes to others who may be wonderful friends, and help me make a deliberate investment into those life-giving relationships. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Discussion Questions:

Ice breaker: Who was your childhood best friend?

Why can it be challenging to cultivate new friendships as we get older?

Read Ecclesiastes 4:7-10 and John 15:13-16. What do you learn about friendship from these verses?

What are three ways you can invest in your current friendships?

What is one thing you can do this week to cultivate a new friendship?

Series Theme Verse:

Proverbs 17:17 ESV
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

Today’s post was written by Kelly Pagel, the Director of the LivingItOut.