We talk a lot about relationships and community in church. Unfortunately, I’m not so sure that we are great at authenticity and follow through sometimes. I know I’m not. We can be very conditional and political. But true friendship comes with no conditions and most certainly shouldn’t be political. To have true community we have to be willing to “let people in”, be transparent, as well as genuine.

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 should know us best.

As far as friendship goes, this hit me in my mouth when I read it. ”A friend is one who walks in when others walk out” (Walter Winchell).

Ouch. I have to confess that 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. I just hope I can continue to be a great friend in return to those that call me friend. It takes time to form genuine community and friendships. Here is reminder 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.

Did you need this reminder today as well, or was it just for me?