Friends and Family

We all have something in common, and it’s Friends and Family.

Sometimes both of these are challenging and frustrating, yet they are a part of our lives. In fact, they help in the development of who we are and how we see everything. The unique aspect of Friends and Family is that they both have the power to give us our greatest joy and our greatest pain. We all have experienced both of these realities, as there is vulnerability in both of them. After all, our Friends and Family know who we are, and at times they have seen the good, the bad and the worse. They know our struggles and where we come from. It’s hard to put our best foot forward with them because they have seen all the times we put the wrong foot forward.

There is also comfort with Friends and Family. We hopefully feel at ease with them, laid back with no pretense or pressure to perform. No need getting dressed to impress or trying out the newest make-up, because they know how we look, and love us the same. For some, maybe this description doesn’t fit your experience, and if so, I’m sorry. However, we all can admit we want this type of family. Yes, Friends and Family are intertwined in our lives. No matter what, we can’t do life without them.

A friendship community is linked to our health, our sense of belonging and sharing with others. We all need this, and without it life is a shell of what it could be. Family is legacy and history combined together in who we are. I think as we get older we increasingly understand the importance of both. The idea we have roots and that new generations are coming forth is powerful and sobering.

Maybe this is why Friends and Family are two of the most frustrating and rewarding parts of our lives.

You see, we need both so badly that there are times we can’t live with them and we can’t live without them. The core of who we are is linked to Friends and Family. Our reactions, mannerisms, ideas, politics, ideology, sports team and more are tied to these two. No matter what, we will always have Friends and Family – so how should we view them in grand scheme of things?

“A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.”
Ecclesiastes 4:12

This profound promise is for us, our Friends and our Family. Notice our victory is connected to our relationships. We if stand alone, we will falter. If stand with others, we will win. This simple truth in this verse is for all of us. No matter our history with Friends and Family, our present and future will reflect how we respond to God’s principle of these relationships.

So, how do we do these relationships?

While this blog doesn’t contain every answer to this question, I do believe when we choose to walk in love and reach out, Jesus can show up. This means our responsibility is not to change or control Friends and Family, but to rather love and give God away freely. This means we forgive, have boundaries, and openly talk about feelings and where we have been. We choose to resist harboring offense so that we are free to share our lives without a wall up in our hearts. This is our position. While it’s easier said than done, our Friends and Family will be better for it.

I encourage you to start by inviting your Friends and Family to church. Take the risk, it’s worth it. Take the step. God will lead you. Take the chance, you never know what God will do.

This could be the beginning of healing and restoration. Because when God shows up, anything can happen.

At City Church, we are providing an opportunity for you on March 4th and 5th with Friends and Family weekend. This is going to be a great time to reach out and invite people. We are praying that Jesus touches all of us like never before, including your Friends and Family.

What can God do with your invitation? I encourage you to find out.

I’m praying that in 2017 purpose would grip your Friends and Family like never before. He will give you healing, a fresh start and new openness toward them both.

Have a great week and I look forward to seeing you, with your Friends and Family, soon here at City,