Colossians 4:10-18- The Message – Aristarchus, who is in jail here with me, send greetings; also, Mark, cousin of Barnabas (you received a letter regarding him; if he shows up, welcome him); and also, Jesus, the one they call Justus. These are the only ones left from the old crowd who have stuck with me in working for God’s kingdom. Don’t think they haven’t been a big help!
Epaphras, who is one of you, says hello. What a trooper he has been! He’s been tireless in his prayers for you, praying that you’ll stand firm, mature and confident in everything God wants you to do. I’ve watched him closely, and can report on how hard he has worked for you and for those in Laodicea and Hierapolis.
Luke, good friend and physician, and Demas both send greetings.
Say hello to our friends in Laodicea; also, Nympha and the church that meets in her house.
After this letter has been read to you, make sure it gets read also in Laodicea. And get the letter that went to Laodicea and have it read to you. And, oh, yes, tell Archippus, “Do your best in the job you received from the Master. Do your very best.”
I’m signing off in my own handwriting – Paul. Remember to pray for me in this jail. Grace be with you.
John 15:13-15 The Message – “This is my command: Love one another the way I loved you. This is the very best way to love. Put your life on the line for your friends. You are my friends when you do the things I command you. I’m no longer calling you servants because servants don’t understand what their master is thinking and planning. No, I’ve name you friends because I’ve let you in on everything I’ve heard from the Father.”
3 Keys to Nurturing Friendships
1) Friendship must be built on loyalty.
Proverbs 17:17 NLT – “A friends is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.”
a. Loyal friends are consistently supportive.
b. Loyal friends maintain a wise use of intimate knowledge.
Proverbs 16:28 The Message – “Troublemakers start fights; gossips break up friendships.”
c. Loyal friends provide a loving rebuke.
Proverbs 27:5 New English Version – “A truly good friend will openly correct you.”
Proverbs 27: 6 New American Standard – “Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but deceitful are the kisses of an enemy.”
Galatians 6:1 Contemporary English Version – “My friends, you are spiritual. So, if someone is trapped in sin, you should gently lead that person back to the right path.”
“One of the most meaningful things you can do with a best friend is to see their potential and be a part of helping her reach it. You may notice a blind spot that is hampering their life. Or you may see that she doesn’t see something awesome that she is capable of. Get in the mix and help her be a new person! That is why the New Testament teaching is one of the central reasons for us to be with each other and connect with each other: “From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows, and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” Ephesians 4:16. – Dr. John Townsend – How to be Best Friends Forever
Proverbs 28:23 Contemporary English Version – “Honest correction is appreciated more than flattery.”
2) Friendships must be fueled by a spirit of unselfishness.
Proverbs 25:20 New Living Translation – “Singing cheerful songs to a person with a heavy heart is like taking someone’s coat in cold weather or pouring vinegar in a wound.”
“Wherever you are right now, picture Christ sitting across from you. Think of how He would be acting. Picture His boldness and His humility. Imagine His power and grace. Try to think of the selfless acts He would be performing if He dwelt in the flesh today. No ask for the ability to walk in His footsteps. Ask Jesus to live through you. To love through you. Take action by truly loving your spouse – not only through words, but showing love in the way Jesus showed love.” – Francis Chan – You and Me Forever
3) Friendships are strengthened by forgiveness.
“When we have done wrong there is no sweeter moment in all of life than to feel the forgiveness of God. His words told her that it was all right, despite all that was wrong. And then he said one more thing: “Go and sin no more.” – Nicole Johnson –Dropping Your Rock: The Freedom to Choose Love over Judgement
Drop Your Rock Moments:
Choosing to FORGIVE is a drop your rock moment.
Choosing to “SIN NO MORE” is a drop your rock moment.
Choosing GRACE OVER JUDGEMENT is a drop your rock moment.
Choosing LOVE is a drop your rock moment.
One of the greatest joys in life and marriage is forever friendships. Cherish and nurture yours.
