Pastor Chris Seay continues our series drawing from Scripture and the unique theological insight of C.S. Lewis to explore the nature of true friendship. Jesus not only dwelt among us, but called us his friends, inviting us to embrace the kind of deep friendship that we believe will transform us, those with whom we're in relationship, and ultimately the world.
Text
1 Corinthians 15: 33
Proverbs 22: 24-25
Proverbs 13: 20
Proverbs 17: 17
Proverbs 27: 1-10
John 15: 12-15
Friendships seemed the happiest and most fully human of all loves; the crown of life and the school of virtue. The modern world, in comparison, ignores it. -C.S Lewis
Friendship arises out of mere Companionship when two or more of the companions discover that they have in common some insight or interest or even taste which the others do not share and which, till that moment, each believed to be his own unique treasure (or burden). The typical expression of opening Friendship would be something like “What? You too? I thought I was the only one. -C.S. Lewis
That is why pathetic people who simply “want friends” can never make any. The very condition of having Friends is that we should want something else besides Friends … Friendship must be about something, even it were only an enthusiasm for dominoes or white mice. Those who have nothing can share nothing; those who are going nowhere can have no fellow travelers. -C.S. Lewis
Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art, like the universe itself (for God did not need to create). It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things which give value to survival. -C.S. Lewis
You will not find the warrior, the poet, the philosopher or the Christian by staring in his eyes as if he were your mistress: better fight beside him, read with him, argue with him, pray with him. -C.S. Lewis
Reflection
Pastor Chris spoke at length about key elements of friendship:
- That friends change you (depending on the friend, for better or worse)
- That deep friendships are aided by Common Interest, Proximity, and Consistency
- True friendships are open to Candor, Counsel, & Emotional Connection
- We believe our friendships have a Kingdom Purpose
Who are these friends for you? With whom are you this kind of friend? How might you cultivate or deepen these kinds of friendships in your life?
Worship Set
Leaning On The Everlasting Arms
All The Poor And Powerless
Psalm 66
Gravity Of Love
Trinity Song
Be Still My Soul (Psalm 131)