Friendship

By

Shelby G. Floyd

One proven method of growing the church is by being a friend to man. Solomon taught in the book of Ecclesiastes that positive action brings about positive results: “Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again” (Ecclesiastes 11:1).

Jesus Christ was a friend to the individual as well as to a large group of people. When Jesus met the woman at the well in Samaria, he was kind to her and became a friend to her and this resulted in her having faith in the Son of God (John 4).

When a stranger visits the Heartland congregation, be kind to that person and become a friend to that person. People are not only interested in a congregation being friendly, but they are also interested in developing personal friendships. Many people desire to be an intimate part of a community of believers in Christ who follow God’s Word. To be a friend means that we must get involved in the everyday joys and sorrows of people just like us. A friend wants to be known and appreciated as well as to know and appreciate you.

It is said that 7% of the people who do not even go to any church, plan to attend some church, and 33% of those who do not attend any church are at least open to attending some church. If we will be a friend to man that church can be the Heartland congregation.

One way we can do this is when we have a social gathering with our friends, we can also invite the outsider to be with us and share the joy that we have in Christ (Philippians 4:4). Copyright © 2011 Shelby G. Floyd, All Rights Reserved