Last Sunday, Jeff preached about how God uses our friendships in our spiritual growth. It was yet again another insightful message he shared with us that day. He reiterated how people are wired for relationships and we should nurture our friendships by:
1. Helping each other grow.
Romans 12:10 “Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love…”
2. Praying for each other’s growth.
Ephesians 3:14-19 “For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”
3. Admitting our own mistakes.
James 5:16 “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
4. Encouraging commitment.
Timothy 4:7b “Exercise yourself toward godliness.”
One of the more interesting things I learned that day was about a study made by UCLA. It was discovered that to be a healthy, fulfilled, satisfied adult; we all need 8-10 meaningful touches a day. For me, that’s a real lot! Coming from a family of origin where being demonstrative was not exactly a strength, I’d think I’ll be good with just five. This is in the same principle why some babies who are not caressed fail to thrive. (Failure to Thrive Syndrome)
In the middle of Jeff’s preaching, he had us, the congregation, rise and find someone we were not familiar with in the crowd. Introduce ourselves and hug! It was liberating to be able to do that. We were all smiling from ear to ear as we were done with the exercise. 😀
The following days since he preached about it, Jeff made sure he intentionally gives me at least eight meaningful touches a day! Needless to say, I am one happy wife. Something I will surely look forward to from here on out. Of course, it is something I will initiate to give him as well. What’s so lovely about giving a hug is that it’s even lovelier when you take it back. 🙂
