Ten Keys To Quality Friendships
"My purpose is
that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have
the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the
mystery of God, namely, Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom
and knowledge." (Colossians 2:2-3)
1. Mutual Goals – Discuss how you can synergistically work together toward a
mutually agreed upon goal. Cooperate through prayer, discussions and ministries
that will contribute toward the accomplishment of enlarging the church in
qualitative and quantitative measures. Paul writes, "My purpose is that they
may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full
riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of
God, namely Christ. In whom are hidden all the treasurers of wisdom and
knowledge." (Col. 2:2,3)
2. Mutual Interests – Work together on areas of shared concerns. Shared hobbies
and leisure time activities can act as a bridge for enhancing interpersonal
communications. Paul writes, "Make my joy complete by being like minded,
having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose." (Phil.2:2)
3. Mutual Experiences – Find areas of ministry and lifestyle that you share in
common with others. These opportunities can help break down many barriers of
distrust. Paul writes about his friend, "Epaphroditus, "I have no one else
like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare." (Phil 2:20)
4. Mutual Understandings – Find areas that you can agree upon together before
finding areas that you cannot come to any consensus. Paul writes, "We always
thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. We remember your work
produced by faith, your labor prompted by love and your endurance inspired by
hope in our Lord Jesus Christ." (I Thes. 1:2,3)
5. Mutual Trust – Develop confidence in one another’s word by proving your
reliability, endurance, and willingness to overlook a fault. Paul writes, "As
apostles of Christ we could have been a burden to you, but we were gentle among
you, like a mother caring for her little children. We loved you so much that we
were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as
well." (I Thes. 2:7,8)
6. Mutual Commitments – Despite differences between people they can collectively
commit themselves to the accomplishment of God’s greater goals for the good of
all concerned. Paul writes, "For the appeal we make does not spring from
error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. On the contrary, we
speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel." (I Thes.
2:4,5)
7. Mutual Destiny – Emphasize similar heavenly destinations in our heavenly
home. Paul writes, "After that, we who are still alive and are left will be
caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so
we will be with the Lord forever." (I Thes. 4:17,18)
8. Mutual Sharing – By distributing to others as they have need one can cement
friendships. "All the believers were together and had everything in common.
Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need."
(Acts 2:44,45)
9. Mutual Teaching, Fellowshipping, Eating and Praying – Getting together on a
regular base to pray and study the scriptures will weld your hearts together
with people who love the Lord and are willing to follow His will. "They
devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking
of bread and prayer." (Acts 2:41,42)
10. Mutual Battles With Common Opponents – By recognizing common opponents to
the advancement of Christ’s kingdom you will gain greater reliance and
appreciation for Christian friends. Paul writes, "You became imitators of us
and of the Lord; in spite of severer suffering, you welcomed the message of joy
given by the Holy Spirit." (I Thes. 1:6)
Paul J. Fritz
Director of Missions, Trinity College of Florida
Answers2Prayer Subscriber