Hebrews 10:23-25; Mark 5:24-24
We are currently exploring a number of “practices” that give practical shape to what it means to be in right relationship with God, with one another and with our neighbour.
Today we will look at the practice of “Authentic Friendship.” There is a strong tendency toward individualism in Western Christianity that can cause us to think our spiritual health can flourish even though we isolate our true self from others. The writer to Hebrews challenges this with a call to regularly connect with fellow believers in a context that allows us to “spur one another on to love and good deeds.” This often requires smaller contexts than a Sunday morning gathering, where we can all too easily hide what’s truly going on in our lives. In Mark 5,
Jesus physically healed a woman at the point of her touch, yet He still called her out of hiding. In this more face-to-face encounter, He was able to address the shame in her life with words of affirmation. Not only was she physically healed, but in this more authentic encounter, her deep inner need was addressed.
Apply
- In what ways are you tempted to keep the reality of your faith between you and God and hidden from other believers? How might He be calling you out of hiding to share your spiritual journey authentically with others?
- Who might be some of the people you can share more openly with?
- Ask God to work in your heart and in the hearts of all who will be attending our services on-line or in person today.
Pray
- Pray that those who are new to the church will be welcomed and find meaningful relationships.
- Pray for our Children’s Ministry Pastor, Jerilyn Bayer
- Pray for the Children’s Ministry Associate, Annette Faszer, and for the Children’s Ministry Assistants: Abigail, Amelia, Blythe, Clarissa, Domina, Jenna, Sarah, and Sunita.