Friends in Christ

I think the one thing I thank the Lord the most for is my friends. Being a Christ-follower without the close relationships with other believers is dangerous. It is like going to war alone without an army. All the odds are against you. Just as important as having a relationship with Jesus and diving into the word, so is fellowship with other believers.  Let me tell you who I was before I gave my life to Christ, and before God brought a group of strong believers into my life.

For the most part of my life, I was pretty much a loner and very much an introverted person. I didn't like speaking up or anything. I never made much eye contact with people and I was very quiet. I would at most have two close friends. I didn't go to dances in high school or anything like that and I loathed school. Always felt like it was me versus the world.

But when I gave my life to Christ, God brought an amazing group into my life. Something I needed the most and something to bring me out of my shell and be social-able. I remember two missionaries that came to our church. They were giving the testimonies from the country they were serving at. It really got to me and I went up for prayer. As my family and I were leaving. A guy ran up to me and asked me to join their small groups. He is now a good friend of mine and my mentor.

I remember my first night going. I was super excited to be going to a group but also nervous because this was something I have never been too before. I remember people asking me a lot of questions. I was so overwhelmed, but it was good for me. I got to know people and people got to know me. People were very open, welcoming and warm. I believe this a part of what keep me close to Christ. Having people to encourage me when I down, and rejoice with when Christ works in me. This also helped me while I was being discipled. I could learn more about Jesus' sacrifice for us, and His love, mercy and grace for us. As this group of believers were demonstrating. Jesus, himself, had fellowship with other, 12 others in fact. He poured out into them and they would later on pour into others. Sharing Jesus' life, death and resurrection. Importantly his forgiveness.

I have heard other say that they are christian but don't believe in going to church or having fellowship with others. I have also said that, and am guilty of it. When we are away from other believers, we become dull, vulnerable and ineffective. There is a verse my pastor quotes often that I too, take it to heart. It is Proverbs 27:17 "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." Other believers keep us sharp, keeps us uplifted and encouraged. They help keep our focus on God and his love for us. But also Hebrews 10:24-25 - "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." .

Lastly, let me testify why having friends in Christ is so important. Not only do they sharpen you, spur you one and encourage you, but they are people you can go to with with anything. There have been many times where I sinned pretty badly and I feel so condemned and felt like I wanted to run away from God. I shared it with my friends in Christ and they encourage me to continue on and take it one day at a time and that God still forgives and still loves me. But also to come before God and confess to him. They keep me accountable and help me keep my focus on christ and not be lead off the path. Because of the friends God has placed in my life, I able to still have a relationship with Christ and not fall from the love of God. I cannot thank God enough for people He has blessed me with. Mentors, friends, pastors, teachers and so much more!