At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we believe in the transformative power of true friendship. Rooted in love and loyalty, true friendship endures through all circumstances, providing support and comfort much like a family. This is not just a social concept but a deeply spiritual one, modeled by Jesus Christ Himself. In this blog post, we will explore the essence of true friendship, its biblical foundation, and how it aligns with our mission to “Be the Change” as Jesus has changed us.

The Essence of True Friendship

True friendship is more than just a casual relationship; it is a bond that is rooted in love and loyalty. Proverbs 17:17 says, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” This verse encapsulates the essence of true friendship. It is a relationship that endures through all circumstances, providing unwavering support and comfort.

At Lakeview Christian Church, we have witnessed the power of such friendships. Many of us have friends we have known for years, friends who have stood by us through thick and thin. These relationships are invaluable, offering a sense of trust and belief that is hard to find elsewhere.

Biblical Foundation of True Friendship

The Bible provides numerous examples of true friendship. One of the most poignant is the story of Jesus and the woman caught in adultery, as recounted in John 8. When the teachers of the law brought the woman before Jesus, they intended to humiliate and stone her. However, Jesus responded with love, forgiveness, and grace. He said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more” (John 8:11).

This act of compassion and friendship is a powerful example for us. Jesus did not condone her sin, but He also did not condemn her. Instead, He offered her a chance for redemption and a new beginning. This is the kind of friendship we are called to emulate—one that offers love, forgiveness, and grace.

Friendship in Action: Study, Share, Serve

At Lakeview Christian Church, our mission is to “Be the Change” as Jesus has changed us. We do this through our “Just 3” approach: Study, Share, Serve.

Study: To love and know God, we must immerse ourselves in His Word. Studying the Bible helps us understand the true nature of friendship as modeled by Jesus. It equips us to be better friends, rooted in love and loyalty.
Share: To know and love others, we must share our lives with them. True friendship involves sharing our joys and sorrows, our successes and failures. It is through sharing that we build strong, enduring relationships.
Serve: Love in action is the ultimate expression of true friendship. Serving others, especially in their times of need, is a powerful way to demonstrate our love and loyalty. Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13).

Practical Steps to Foster True Friendship

Be Present: In a world that is increasingly digital, being physically present is a powerful way to show your friends that you care. Attend church services, community groups, and social events to build and strengthen your friendships.
Listen Actively: True friendship involves active listening. Pay attention to what your friends are saying, and offer your support and encouragement.
Show Grace: Just as Jesus showed grace to the woman caught in adultery, we must show grace to our friends. Forgive their mistakes and offer them a chance for redemption.
Pray Together: Prayer is a powerful tool for building and sustaining friendships. Pray for your friends and with your friends, asking God to bless and guide your relationships.

Conclusion

True friendship, rooted in love and loyalty, is a gift from God. It provides support and comfort during difficult times, much like a family. At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we are committed to fostering such friendships through our mission to “Be the Change” as Jesus has changed us. By studying God’s Word, sharing our lives, and serving others, we can build enduring friendships that reflect the love and grace of Jesus Christ.

Let us strive to be friends who love at all times, offering support, comfort, and grace to those around us. In doing so, we not only enrich our own lives but also fulfill our mission to be the change in our community and the world.