Jesus took Peter, James, and John, and brought them to the top of a very high mountain where they were alone.

Mark 9:2 (CEB)

 

Jesus understands the value of cultivating a close network of friends who feel safe with one another and secure enough to go through life together. Peter, James and John were free to be themselves in the company of Jesus. They could say or do stupid things without fear of offending Him or receiving an overcorrection from Him, and if and when they messed up, the Lord was there to show them the way. This explains why these three men felt a sense of belonging and connection to Jesus as well as to one another.

Do you have such a friendship with other Christians?

It is far too easy for individuals to maintain anonymity in a large church. That is sometimes why some believers choose to go to a church with a huge congregation. They can blend in with the crowd, be overlooked, or go unnoticed. Going to church isn't about going in, getting what you want, and then leaving, often with barely a hello or goodbye in between. It is about developing healthy connections and relationships because Christ has chosen us to be a community in which His love is shown and experienced amongst us.

We live in a culture where individualism is valued more than community. This factor makes becoming the kind of church community Christ called us to be difficult, but not impossible. It is not so much about becoming a friendly church as it is about becoming a community of friends. A friendly church is subjective because it usually boils down to personal taste and preference. A community of friends, on the other hand, speaks of complete acceptance, deep commitment, and incredible love. It is up to you to take a risk and make an attempt to reach out to others. You may face opposition at times, but if you don't give up, a rewarding friendship can develop.

Let's admit it.

We won't be able to do it on our own. We need to gather like-minded people who share our love for Jesus and desire to journey together with us. And when we are willing to do so by God's grace, we genuinely embody Jesus' words in John 13:35, "This is how everyone will know that you are my disciples, when you love each other.”

Our broken world needs a welcoming community of people who truly love and support one another. Let us endeavour to be that community of friends who do life together and have a shared mission to transform lives for the glory of God and the good of our city.