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Circle of Friends By Amy Stephens Friendships -- how can we build better relationships? Having and being a friend is important to our lives. We learn and become better people because of our friendships.
have a piece of artwork, in the form of a candleholder, called the "Circle of Friends." It is a sculpture of tribal men hovering over a fire, arms locked together. The symbolism is that they represent each "family," arms locked together supporting each other, forming an interwoven group that protects the "fire" burning in their midst.
John 15:12-14 (New International Version throughout): "My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command." Maybe we hesitate because we are insecure with ourselves, or we fear rejection or emotional injury. Maybe we are using a measuring stick to judge others, or ourselves, that isolates us based on how everyone measures up. Sometimes we make assumptions based on experiences, previous encounters, rumors or appearances. This can greatly limit us. We should examine ourselves and try to find what is keeping us from expressing and sharing the love that God and Jesus Christ have expressed to us. John 15:14-15: "You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you."
John 13:34-35: "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." It is easy in our society to be enveloped in our work and daily activities, and forget to build the strong friendships in faith that will -- if allowed to grow in a loving and godly manner -- encourage and strengthen us. God instructs us to build bonds that endure hardships and disappointments and that share in the joys and blessings, as they will, in the end, strengthen the entire body of Christ.
Point of Grace performs a song called "Circle of Friends." Its lyrics reflect this attitude of friendship (words and music by Douglas McKelvey and Steve Siler).
Friendships take effort, and it is sometimes difficult to know how to get started. There are many ways, but here are a few suggestions:
I am sure that you can think of many other ideas to add to this list. Taking these concrete steps can help us build relationships. We need to build friendships that will strengthen and unify us as the body of Christ. We need our "Circle of Friends." For more helpful information on strengthening relationships in your life, read our free booklet . Copyright 2005 by United Church of God, an International Association All rights reserved. |
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Other Articles by Amy Stephens
Origin of article "Circle of Friends"
Keywords: friends friendship
Friends: