Building Strong Relationships Through Church Community and Service

Small group discussion guide for "The Art of Friendship"

Bible Passages:
1) Proverbs 27:17 - "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."
2) Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 - "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up."

Directions:
Begin by reading Proverbs 27:17 and Ecclesiastes 4:9-10. Reflect on these passages in the context of friendship and the importance of having and being a good friend.

Discussion Questions:

Observation Questions:
1) What do these passages tell us about the importance of friendship?
2) How do these verses relate to the concept of giving and receiving constructive criticism in a friendship?

Interpretation Questions:
1) How can we interpret the phrase "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another" in the context of friendship?
2) What does Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 teach us about the role of a friend when we face difficulties?

Application Questions:
1) How can we apply the principle of "iron sharpens iron" in our friendships? Can you share an example?
2) How can we ensure that we are providing the support mentioned in Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 to our friends?
3) How can we better communicate with our friends when we notice something that could be improved or changed?

Day 1: The Importance of Christian Friendships

Christian friendships are a vital part of our spiritual journey. They provide us with support, encouragement, and guidance as we navigate through life. These friendships are not just about having fun and spending time together, but also about growing in faith and understanding of God's word.

Proverbs 27:17 - "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."

Reflection: Reflect on your current friendships. How many of them are with fellow believers who can provide spiritual upliftment and biblical advice? If you feel there's a lack, what steps can you take to cultivate more Christian friendships?

Day 2: Serving in the Church as a Path to Friendship

Serving in the church is not only a way to give back to the community and glorify God, but it can also be a path to building strong and meaningful friendships. When we serve together, we share experiences, learn from each other, and build bonds that can last a lifetime.

Galatians 5:13 - "You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love."

Reflection: Are you currently serving in any capacity within your church? If not, what's holding you back? If yes, how has this service helped you build friendships and a sense of community?

Day 3: Openness to Different Types of Friendships

The body of Christ is diverse, and so should our friendships be. Being open to different types of friendships can enrich our lives, broaden our perspectives, and help us grow in love and understanding.

1 Corinthians 12:12-13 - "Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink."

Reflection: Reflect on your circle of friends. Are they all similar to you in terms of age, interests, and background? If so, how can you broaden your horizons and be open to friendships with people who are different from you?

Day 4: The Role of Small Groups in Building Friendships

Small groups provide a safe and intimate environment for believers to share their lives, study the Bible, and pray together. They are a great way to build deep and lasting friendships.

Acts 2:46-47 - "Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved."

Reflection: Are you part of a small group in your church? If not, what's stopping you from joining one? If yes, how has being part of this group enriched your life and helped you build deeper friendships?

Day 5: The Importance of Boundaries in Friendships

Healthy friendships require respect for each other's boundaries. This includes respecting each other's time, space, and emotional needs. Setting and maintaining boundaries can help prevent misunderstandings and conflicts, and ensure that the friendship is mutually beneficial and fulfilling.

Proverbs 25:17 - "Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house— too much of you, and they will hate you."

Reflection: Reflect on your friendships. Are there any where you feel your boundaries are not being respected, or where you're neglecting your own needs? How can you address this issue in a loving and respectful way?

Hey and welcome.

- "Show me your friends, I'll show you your future. Who you surround yourself with really has a bigger impact on the kind of life you're going to live than you expect." [08:38]
- "Selflessness doesn't mean that you risk your own health or your own life. It is when you really do something with your full heart not expecting anything in return." [45:20]
- "Great friends show up. You always make time for what you consider important. If you really consider your friendships important, you need to make time for your friends as well." [49:06]
- "Just because you have the right thing to say it doesn't mean that the moment is right. They might not be ready to hear it because you might see everything you want to see and you could be 100% correct but if you say at the wrong time, it's still gonna be the wrong thing." [44:07]
- "When offering a different perspective to somebody, do it with the humility to say, 'Hey, maybe I'm off, but have you considered looking at it this way?' You're giving room to say, 'Look, I'm not the one that knows your life better than you know your life.'" [45:20]