We talk a lot about relationships and community in church; probably to the point of it being more noise than meaning. And still, I’m not so great at authentic community. As an introvert I find that I allow a very small group of people in my “inner circle”; while having many in my “friendship circle” and even more in the “outer circle”, finding true relationships are actually hard work. Draining even.

We can be very conditional and even political, but true friendship comes with no conditions and most certainly shouldn’t be a strategic political move. True community and friendship shouldn’t be competitive… Nor should our communities of faith be.

Do we allow ourselves to be as real as possible with others, especially our friends? Consistantly, I doubt it. I mean I know we can’t go “all in” with everyone we meet or work with, but there should be a level of security, loyalty, and trust with those that know us best.

“A friend is one who walks in when others walk out” (Walter Winchell).

Ouch. I have not always been a true friend. To those, I am sorry. Life is indeed too short to allow things to bind away the fullness of life that we can all find in real relationships. I have always been blessed with a great group of friends over the years. My hope is that I can attempt be a friend in return to those that call me friend. Here is a reminder to how we should process… 1 Cor. 13 (Message) says,

Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have.
Love doesn’t strut,
Doesn’t have a swelled head,
Doesn’t force itself on others,
Isn’t always “me first,”
Doesn’t fly off the handle,
Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn’t revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.

What would you say one of biggest reasons we resist community and real friendships?

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