Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Ephesians 5:1 (NIV)
Series Focus: “Coffee Talk”
Grab your coffee (or your favorite beverage) and get comfy. Let’s take a deep breath and sit down to chat for a minute. Over the past several weeks, we’ve been concentrating on how building a connection with other women can strengthen us, sharpen us, bless us, and stretch us. We’ve learned that building genuine, long-lasting friendships takes time, transparency, and intention. Have you talked to God about the friendships you have in your life? Have you asked Him to bring women who love Jesus into your circle? I hope so. But even more, I pray Jesus is at the top of your friend list.
Theodore Roosevelt once said, “Nothing worth having was ever achieved without effort.” Beautiful friendships don’t come by chance. They take energy, devotion, patience, love, and forgiveness when necessary. An authentic friendship is a work of art!
God blends lives in unity as He brings friends together. Their differences and similarities complement one another, just as an artist’s painting of a landscape reveals the depth and intricacies on the canvas. Reminiscing about significant accomplishments, paying attention to the minor details, and helping your friend by pointing them to Christ in all situations is monumental as you grow closer in fellowship.
God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit set the example of a perfect relationship. The trinity, three in one. Because of His great love for us, He created us for relationship with Him and with others. Scattered throughout scripture is the importance of building relationships. Here are a few reminders we have shared in this writing series:
Therefore, God’s chosen ones, holy and loved, put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, accepting one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a complaint against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you must also forgive. Above all, put on love—the perfect bond of unity. (Colossians 3:12-14 HCSB)
Above all, maintain constant love for one another, since love covers a multitude of sins. (1 Peter 4:8 CSB)
As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend. (Proverbs 27:17 NLT)
For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. (Romans 12:4-5 NIV)
You will experience joy and laughter as well as pain and sorrow in your lifetime. Times of celebration and times of grieving will ensue. Wouldn’t it be amazing to share these moments with a friend who could hold your hand and lift your head? Yes, it would. Don’t be afraid to ask the Lord for help in finding friends like this. Be a friend like this.
You are God’s incredible masterpiece! Remember this the next time you meet a girlfriend for coffee. He fashioned you to reflect His glory and love to those around you. May your relationships thrive and paint a marvelous picture of Jesus.
Holding Fast to Hope,
Jen
Scripture References: Ephesians 5:1; Colossians 3:12-14; 1 Peter 4:8; Proverbs 27:17; Romans 12:4-5; John 16:13; Ephesians 2:10