Quantity and quality time must be spent with anyone you wish to draw closer to. These are the basics of developing long and lasting friendships. Realness, honesty and truth are also attributes that will help you welcome people in your life. In my life I've learned to develop such friendships with several people over the years and it takes work to maintain them. In a week or so I am driving ten hours to spend time with a friend who studied the bible and baptized me seventeen and a half years ago. We were friends then, we are friends today and I hope to one day leave this earthly life being this person's friend. Sacrifices must be made in order for that to take place. Jesus was the ultimate example of friendship maker.
Matthew 11:19 (NIV)
19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and "sinners." ' But wisdom is proved right by her actions."
We as disciples are called to be more than just friends to one another. We are called to love one another as Jesus loved us.
John 15:13 (NIV)
13 Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.
How is the love of God in your life these days?
John 13:34-35 (NIV)
34 "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
This kind of love must be present in our lives if we claim to be followers of Christ.
Let the following passage sober you if you are not where you know you should be as a disciple.
Matthew 24:12-13 (NIV)
12 Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13 but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.
YBIC - Oswald Chu
Toronto Church of Christ
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Love, INC
YBIC Adrian NG
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