Today’s Scripture
“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have
loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the
world that you are my disciples.”
John 13:34-35 (NLT)
Big Idea
Don’t settle for weak, insignificant friendships at church — go for depth and quality.
Today’s Thought
Here’s a fun experiment: Find a whole bunch of non-Christians and ask them what they think about Christians and churches. Depending on their honesty, you might be surprised and heartbroken at their answers.
Far too often, the world looks at Christians and sees people whose words and actions are inconsistent. You can help change this perspective: The more you show love to other Christians, the more non-Christians will discover it’s possible to have an authentic faith in God. That’s part of the experience as an r12 Christian.
The friendship between David and Jonathan offers a great model for the kind of love Jesus talked about in John 13. Jonathan was the son of King Saul and heir to the throne of Israel. David was a shepherd chosen and anointed by God to be, well, the future king of Israel. And somehow these guys were friends!
The Bible records some profound words in 1 Samuel 20:17. “And Jonathan made David reaffirm his vow of friendship again, for Jonathan loved David as he loved himself.”What a strong bond of friendship! (If you have time, read the whole chapter of 1 Samuel 20 to get a deeper view of this remarkable friendship.)
Authentic relationships demand time, sacrifice, and devotion. Do it not just when it’s convenient or on the way home. Show up. Go. Listen. Cry with them. Be part of the action sometimes. You know when you’re genuinely loved.
That’s how you can develop deep, quality, significant friendships at church.
Experience life together. Love each other. Demonstrate your love through action.
John 13:34-35 (NLT)
Big Idea
Don’t settle for weak, insignificant friendships at church — go for depth and quality.
Today’s Thought
Here’s a fun experiment: Find a whole bunch of non-Christians and ask them what they think about Christians and churches. Depending on their honesty, you might be surprised and heartbroken at their answers.
Far too often, the world looks at Christians and sees people whose words and actions are inconsistent. You can help change this perspective: The more you show love to other Christians, the more non-Christians will discover it’s possible to have an authentic faith in God. That’s part of the experience as an r12 Christian.
The friendship between David and Jonathan offers a great model for the kind of love Jesus talked about in John 13. Jonathan was the son of King Saul and heir to the throne of Israel. David was a shepherd chosen and anointed by God to be, well, the future king of Israel. And somehow these guys were friends!
The Bible records some profound words in 1 Samuel 20:17. “And Jonathan made David reaffirm his vow of friendship again, for Jonathan loved David as he loved himself.”What a strong bond of friendship! (If you have time, read the whole chapter of 1 Samuel 20 to get a deeper view of this remarkable friendship.)
Authentic relationships demand time, sacrifice, and devotion. Do it not just when it’s convenient or on the way home. Show up. Go. Listen. Cry with them. Be part of the action sometimes. You know when you’re genuinely loved.
That’s how you can develop deep, quality, significant friendships at church.
Experience life together. Love each other. Demonstrate your love through action.
The world will see — and take notice.
Prayer
God, I don’t want to settle for weak, insignificant friendships with other
Christians. I want to experience authentic community when I spend time with
Your other followers. Let our love for each other become visible evidence of
Your love for all of humanity. Help me and other Christians love each other in
ways that honor You. Amen. Prayer
This is a message that some grown-ups really need to read. :)-Jasmin
ReplyDeleteA friend isn't a friend unless they have a truthful,significant relationship with you!-Elizabeth Calhoun
ReplyDeleteI actually tried this a few months ago. I asked a close friend of mine (whom I knew wasn't Christian) what she thought about the church and Christians. She basically said "cliquish" and "hypocritical" I was a little bit in shock, but at the same time, I completely understood what she was talking about!
ReplyDeletei believe that a lot of the Christians we see today are the "Sunday School Christians". It's a very sad fact and it happens to everyone :/. But with following God and the Devotionals i believe we all can become better - Ryan
ReplyDeleteI think that we as Christians need to prove to these non-believers that not all christians are like that- gabby
ReplyDelete