Life Together: Authentic Friendships
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“But if we live in the light, as God is in the light, we can share fellowship with each other. Then the blood of Jesus, God’s Son, cleanses us from every sin. If we say we have no sin, we are fooling ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:7-8, NCV)
In Christian fellowship people should experience authenticity.
Authentic fellowship is not superficial, surface-level chit-chat. It’s genuine, heart-to-heart, sometimes gut-level sharing.
It happens when people get honest about who they are and what is happening in their lives. They share their hurts, reveal their feelings, confess their failures, disclose their doubts, admit their fears, acknowledge their weaknesses, and ask for help and prayer.
Authenticity is the exact opposite of what you find in many churches. Instead of an atmosphere of honesty and humility, there is pretending, role-playing, politicking, superficial politeness, and shallow conversation. People wear masks, keep their guard up, and act as if everything is rosy in their lives. These attitudes are the death of real friendship.
It’s only as we become open about our lives that we experience authentic fellowship. The Bible says, “If we live in the light, as God is in the light, we can share fellowship with each other … If we say we have no sin, we are fooling ourselves” (1 John 1:7-8, NCV)
The world thinks intimacy occurs in the dark, but God says it happens in the light. We tend to use darkness to hide our hurts, faults, fears, failures, and flaws. But in the light, we bring them all out into the open and admit who we really are.
Of course, being authentic requires both courage and humility. It means facing our fear of exposure, rejection, and being hurt again.
Why would anyone take such a risk?
Because it’s the only way to grow spiritually and be emotionally healthy. The Bible says, “Make this your common practice: Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you can live together whole and healed” (James 5:16, MSG)
Question: How can you try to cultivate more authentic friendships with your Christian brothers and sisters?
About this Author: Rick Warren
I would like to have online with fellow christians globally. I am witnessing the miracle of fellowship prayers. i had a couple of problems in my life but since I regularly attends christian cells on Tuesday nights the results are significant and tangible. I have before request for online prayers and together miracles are the order of the day in my life. My relationship with my boss, subordinates and other colleagues have improved at work. My work is shrinking through teamwork and I have more time to share with my family. Please let’s continue to pray for one another and let the power of the word be realized.
Regards
James Hanyani
+27716799888
South Africa