Called to Community

Called to Community

How many friends do you have? How many of those friends can you really trust with anything? How many of those friends encourage you, challenge you and help you grow in your faith? In this age of social media, when many people claim to have hundreds or thousands of “friends,” the truth is that most are acquaintances or merely people with whom you share a digital picture or shoutout. Today I want you to look around and take stock of your relationships. How many Christian and/or non-believing friends do you have? Obviously, you’ll deeply trust those who share your faith in Christ . . . or you should. But I digress. Why should you surround yourself with Christian friends?

1) They’ll support you. Wouldn’t you think that your Christian friends typically have good, godly values? Hopefully they’re part of a church family and understand the meaning of being part of a community and taking care of others. When you struggle with tough issues, they should give you encouraging words, a hug or be there for you.

2) They should ask tough questions. When you’re struggling, most people will ask “what’s wrong?” You likely say, “nothing.” But a Christian friend will dig deeper and won’t let you off the hook so easily. They’ll want to know how you really are. You may not like it, but a Christ-follower should work with you to be less like you and more like Jesus. No matter what you might be going through right now, let your Christian friends press you with tough questions. It’ll help you open up and get past anything you’re dealing with.

3) Christian friends should hold you accountable. When was the last time you heard “we missed you at church”? When your Christian friends ask that question, they’re merely showing that they care about you and don’t want you to get off the spiritual track. God’s Word calls us to community, not to being loners. It’s our job to encourage our Christian friends to answer for their decisions and choices, even if they don’t like being held accountable.

4) Christian friends should provide wise advice. I know, everyone has an opinion. But the advice of your true Christian friends is rooted in love and really meant to help you. A good Christian friend will point you to God’s Word so you can find the guidance you need. Christian friends will guide you with God’s principles and offer you advice that’s genuine and honest.

5) Christian friends should pray for you. And who couldn't use a little more prayer sometimes? I hate to see someone on Facebook say, “Sending good vibes.” Good vibes? What in the world are good vibes? Christian friends will pray for you and ask God to help you. When you become really close, they’ll even pray with you. There’s no closer bond than the ability to talk to God together with your Christian brother or sister.

Now, don’t get me wrong. Please don't separate yourself from your non-Christian or not-actively Christian friends. They bring their own benefits and challenges. God wants us to make disciples that make disciples. So, why not look at my five characteristics above and evaluate how good of a Christian friend YOU are, not just to your Christian friends, but your non-Christian ones, too? We’re all in this together, one big family of sinners looking for ways to cope with this crazy world until God calls us to glory.

Thanks for reading Pastor Dale’s Mid-Week Encouragement. If you’re a regular attender or member of the Mt. Laurel Church of God, please consider reading this Scripture passage before Sunday, June 15 . . . Proverbs 3:1-12 to get ready to hear God’s message through Pastor Dale Proverbs 3:1-12 this coming Sunday, June 15, 2025.

Called to pray for you, teach you and encourage you in your faith,

^{Pastor Dale}

Pastor Dale (PD) and Pamela his wife are honored to serve the Mt. Laurel Church of God. If this Mid-Week Encouragement has helped you, perhaps it may encourage someone else. Feel free to share this message with anyone you choose. And if you'd like to receive PD's Mid-Week Encouragement, just send an email to (kingdomguy@gmail.com) and I'll accommodate your request.