Be Thankful - You Develop Supportive Friendships in a Church Home

Pray – (1/2 minute)

Read – (2 1/2 minutes) – “I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts. . . . Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me.” (Colossians 4:8, 11)
      Passage: Proverbs 27:10, 17

         My brother, Keith, is two years younger than me. We have a close relationship and would each do anything we can for the other. However, he lives in Midland, while we are in Grand Prairie, over 4 ½ hours away. One time, when my lawnmower quit working, I needed to mow our lawn before I could get to the store and buy a new mower. I didn’t call Keith. I called one of the men in our church who lives around the corner from me. Solomon was correct when he said, “Better a neighbor who is near, than a brother who is far away.”
        A local church consists of believers who are brothers and sisters in Christ. God’s plan for a local church is to be a spiritual family for believers, where they develop supportive friendships and do life together. Paul pointed to this kind of support when he spoke of Tychicus encouraging the hearts of the believers in the church at Colosse and told them how Justus and others had given him comfort during his time in prison. Through small groups and relationships, you will find supportive friends to walk with you. Thank God for that and be a friend like that to others.

Apply - (2 1/2 minutes)
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Pray - (1 1/2 minutes)