Hey guys !
Today, I have something special for you!
I have compiled answers to one simple, albeit not uninteresting question, from different people in my life as well as people who have contributed to the blog in some way over the past few years. You should recognize most of these names, although there are some that you won’t. These are not all TCKs, but most are - I think hearing from people in different stages of life with different backgrounds is always interesting and would be super cool, especially with this question!
The question was: “What does Christian friendship mean to you?”
My article, an intro to Christian Friendship kind of answered this question, but I don’t think this is something that only I should answer. It should be something that we see many people’s point of view on, because it’s kind of something that is personal. It’s not something everyone is going to see the same way- even though there are points that we should all agree on as believers.
There is so much that could be said, and i really was surprised by the answers we got- there is so much wisdom in what everyone had to say as they answered this question, and so much I got out of these responses.
Willow:
What does christian friendship mean to me? For me, it means someone i can express my concerns to, someone i can bring my confusion and worries to and won't be judged for it. It's a person that knows how to have a good time but can listen and knows when to much is to much, A Christian friendship to me is a blessing that God has provided as an outlet and someone i can rely on.
Lauren:
In short, a Christian friendship is when two people keep each other accountable for everything, but do so in reference to the Bible or biblical ideals/morals. This means that any advice or the way that we hold each other accountable is down based on our common faith and what it teaches us about these things.
There is never a moment when you cannot go to the other and receive good advice or a listening ear.
Courtney:
Christian friendship is where you have a friend that genuinely has a relationship with Jesus, (and not just say they do). This shows through their God-centered life. Through your friendship, you help each other grow closer to God, and building each other towards Him. This shows in the advice we give each other and the way we continuously build each other up, as well as always making sure we give glory to God.
Ann:
A Christian friendship is a friendship with a foundation on Christ. You use your relationship to serve Christ and model love and encouragement for your friend. Obviously we don't all live up to this because we are human, but we need to be trying and praying and asking God to help strengthen our relationships and to help us love His Church like He loves us.
Alaina:
Personally, Christian friendship is extremely valuable to me. I believe Christ has designed us to crave community. In a friendship where Christ is not present there is no true foundation. There is nothing truly solid in the relationship. Instead, it is built upon feelings and self—what does this friendship do for me?—however, in a friendship where Christ is not only present but also prevalent, there is a completely solid foundation.
We are to choose our friends wisely for, as 1 Corinthians 15:33 warns, “bad company corrupts good character.”
Christian friendship is not just when two Christians become friends but it is when those two Christians choose to lay down the flesh together and support and encourage each other as they seek to keep Christ at the center of their lives and pursue Him together. When one falls to the wrong path, the other is there to pray for them and encourage them to continue on the path of righteousness, not condoning the sin. I believe a true Christian friendship will show the Fruit of the Spirit as well as live 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 out well.
A true Christian friendship is centered around Christ and the pursuit to glorify Him in everything they do.
Thank you Ann, willow, Lauren, Courtney and Alaina for taking the time to respond to this question! Keep a look out for similar articles with the same concept that will come out throughout this month!
Would you Iike to participate in a similar article? Reach out to us at tcktimes.contact@gmail.com, we would love to hear from you and let you participate in this!
What does Christian friendship mean to YOU? Leave a comment below, we would love to hear your point of view!
-Rose
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