The Importance of Friendships

There is a subtle and destructive message out there that adults do not need friends.  

Studies are showing that Social Media actually isolates and eliminates us from friends. 

Signa Insurance says that loneliness is at an epidemic, and has an adverse impact on your health.  

God has designed us with a need to have deep mutual friends. 

Even Jesus needed friends.  

He was constantly around 12 people.  He had three special friends(Peter, James, and John).  

Jesus had a special closeness with them.

Jesus actually had nicknames for them.  Simon was nicknamed the Rock (Peter, Matthew 16:18).  

James and John were nicknamed the Son of Thunder (Mark 3:17). 

Jesus said, you did not choose me, but I chose you (John 15:16).  

Jesus knew that He needed great friends to accomplish His mission.  

We now have friends of proximity.  When the activity of proximity ends, the friendship ends.  

Change your habits and activities to meet new people to find friends. 

You want to be on an intentional search for new friends. 

You have a capacity for 2 or 3 true friends. 

Put them into your calendar first.  If you have too many friends, you'll come to ruin.  

Proverbs 18:24 New International Reader's Version (NIRV)

24 A person with unfaithful friends soon comes to ruin.

    But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. 

  You need a friend that you can laugh with.  

A friend that you're not afraid to let down your mask with.  

You're body needs laughter.  

It will help you get through your tough times.

You need a friend that you can go to for help. 

You need them when you can't make it by yourself.  

Someone that you can rely upon.  

(I didn't know my neighbors, so I asked someone to use his ladder.  

I ask for a ladder that I already had.  He helped me with my roof. 

He brought presents over for my kids for Christmas.  

This person needed a friend, too). 

You need a friend that you go to for advice. 

It starts by asking how would you do ???  

You need advice also from people in the Spiritual realm.  

You need a Spiritual friend for confession of sin.   

Sin is deceptive.  

The more that you do it. 

The dumber you get.  

We are to confess our sins to one another(James 5:16).  

We don't do this in most Churches.  

It's not just a nice thing to do. It's a command.

(In a casual moment, I ask for permission to confess a sin.  

Normally, they ask permission to confess a sin back to you, too).  

Matthew 17 New International Reader's Version (NIRV)

17 After six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John the brother of James with him. 

He led them up a high mountain. 

They were all alone. 

Jesus took off His mask to His three true friends at the Mount of Transfiguration.  

He revealed His true self.  

He was vulnerable to them.     

Matthew 26:37 New International Reader's Version (NIRV)

37 He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him. 

He began to be sad and troubled.

In the time of Jesus's darkest moments.  

He not only needed God His Father and the Holy Spirit, but He also pulled His best friends aside to pray it with Him (Matthew 26:37).  

Who are your closet friends for your darkest hour?  

The Bible says that you need them.  The insurance company says that you need them. 

You are wired up for connection.

The old hymn says "What a Friend we have in Jesus!"  

Do you realize that Jesus desires your friendship?  

Jesus won't force His friendship upon you.  

He is that one true friend that we need.  

Do you hear Him knocking?  Won't you let Him in.  

It's Jesus asking you for your friendship.  

Won't you let Him in.   

Steve Gillen, Acting Pastor, Willowcreek Church