January 19th

Friends for Life

 ⁹ Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor. ¹⁰For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up.  Ecclesiastes 4:9,10 NKJV 

One of our site visitors wrote, “I think this scripture best describes the need for the help of other Christians in our struggle with porn and masturbation.  I think this is where your ministry is such a godsend to me and so many other brothers and sisters.  But, it's also important to have personal (physical) relationships as well.”  I agree with my friend about the need for face-to-face relationships with other committed Christians.  

The downside of the cyber world is that it can foster handicapped, partial relationships that lack the power of real interpersonal interaction.  Email and chat rooms can only bring so much comfort and help, but personal encouragement from co-warriors in Christ can bring much needed spiritual refreshment (1 Corinthians 16:18), encouragement and life!   Here are some scripture references for the benefits of fellowship:

• Inspiration, motivation, refreshment of spirit and encouragement (Hebrews 10:24-25, 1 Corinthians 16:18)

• Teaching and admonition in the walk with God (Colossians 3:16); accountability and rebuke (Ephesians 5:21)

• Exhortation to righteousness, helping prevent heart hardening through deceitfulness of sin (Hebrews 3:12-14)

• Prayer cover (James 5:15-16) 

The New Testament writers exhorted Christians to meet together, pray together, share resources with each other and help each other.  Too often, our secret failures are buried under a veil of secrecy due to fear of being found out and pride.  It would be much better for us to get the ugly secrets out in the open with close friends who can offer help, encouragement and prayer support.  This will also help break down the stranglehold of fear. 

If you lack friendships that are close enough to share your struggle in, ask God to bring a friend into your life that you can share with.  Have an open mind when you ask God for a friend, as he may bring an unlikely candidate into your life that may or may not meet your expectations initially.   If you hang in there and look for God’s hand in the relationship, you are likely to discover the joys of friendship and the help it can bring your walk with God. 

Questions for further thought:

• Why is it that many people prefer to share their darkest secrets with strangers on the internet but cannot do so with some of their best friends in the Lord who could potentially help them?
• How can stubbornness block effective fellowship/confession when dealing with secret sins?
• Are you willing to let friends in Christ speak into your life and in some cases yield to their suggestions?
• How can pride block effective fellowship?

Prayer:  “Heavenly Father, Thank you for creating us to be connected with the body of Christ.  Lord, please help me connect with my fellow Christians on a personal level.  I confess my sin of ___________(list as appropriate – ex. pride, cherishing sin, etc..) that I have allowed to keep me from connecting with other believers.  Please give me courage to tell things like they are and take responsibility for my actions.  I submit my will to you, Father, and welcome your guidance in my life through your word and through the Godly people you send into my life to help me.  I praise you and thank you!  In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.”