spiritual friendship

[The Learner]

Spiritual friendship is a profound connection between individuals that transcends typical friendships. It emphasizes mutual support for personal growth, shared values, and emotional support throughout life's journey. Unlike conventional friendships, spiritual friendships focus on nurturing each other's spiritual development and understanding, often involving discussions about faith and deeper life experiences
.

Key Characteristics
Mutual Growth: Both individuals seek to grow spiritually and emotionally together.
Shared Values: There is a common understanding or belief system that guides the friendship.
Emotional Support: Friends provide encouragement and understanding during challenging times.
Importance
Spiritual friendships can enhance one's faith journey, offering a safe space to explore beliefs and experiences at a soul level
. They are often seen as essential for personal and spiritual development, fostering a deeper connection with oneself and the divine.

https://search.yahoo.com/search?fr=mcafee&type=E210US752G0&p=What+is+spiritual+friendship%3F&action=scout

 

[pwg_jonathan]

Honestly the friendships that helped me most were the ones where someone was just open about their own doubts and rough patches too. They're hard to find, so I'd look for one or two believers you can really talk to. Proverbs 27:17 says "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." Wrote a bit on feeling alone here: Bible Verses for Loneliness: Feeling Alone in the Bible

 

[Nancy]

Spiritual friendship is a profound connection between individuals that transcends typical friendships. It emphasizes mutual support for personal growth, shared values, and emotional support throughout life's journey. Unlike conventional friendships, spiritual friendships focus on nurturing each other's spiritual development and understanding, often involving discussions about faith and deeper life experiences
.

Key Characteristics
Mutual Growth: Both individuals seek to grow spiritually and emotionally together.
Shared Values: There is a common understanding or belief system that guides the friendship.
Emotional Support: Friends provide encouragement and understanding during challenging times.
Importance
Spiritual friendships can enhance one's faith journey, offering a safe space to explore beliefs and experiences at a soul level
. They are often seen as essential for personal and spiritual development, fostering a deeper connection with oneself and the divine.

https://search.yahoo.com/search?fr=mcafee&type=E210US752G0&p=What+is+spiritual+friendship%3F&action=scout

This is so true! It's been over 2 years now that my very best spiritual friend of over 40 years passed. So much has changed since then. As I'm no spring chicken, it will be impossible to ever get that kind of relationship through new friends, as it takes many years to establish friendship like that. I thank God for that there are still a few good new spiritual relationships as they are a treasure to me.

 

[The Learner]

Someone on another forum chew me out for thinking these friendships can be with others besides my wife. I would not argue with them. Just pointed out Jesus commanded us to have agape type of Love for each others in Christ which is the basis of spiritual friendship.

 

[RandyDawson]

Spiritual friendship is a profound connection between individuals that transcends typical friendships. It emphasizes mutual support for personal growth, shared values, and emotional support throughout life's journey. Unlike conventional friendships, spiritual friendships focus on nurturing each other's spiritual development and understanding, often involving discussions about faith and deeper life experiences
.

Key Characteristics
Mutual Growth: Both individuals seek to grow spiritually and emotionally together.
Shared Values: There is a common understanding or belief system that guides the friendship.
Emotional Support: Friends provide encouragement and understanding during challenging times.
Importance
Spiritual friendships can enhance one's faith journey, offering a safe space to explore beliefs and experiences at a soul level
. They are often seen as essential for personal and spiritual development, fostering a deeper connection with oneself and the divine.

And then if they found out you voted for Trump, suddenly they're out.
Or if they found out you voted for a liberal, suddenly they're out.

Tribalism is a thing apparently.

 

[The Learner]

And then if they found out you voted for Trump, suddenly they're out.
Or if they found out you voted for a liberal, suddenly they're out.

Tribalism is a thing apparently.

Let's not tell them or just look at them and smile like you voted like they did.

 

[RandyDawson]

it will be impossible to ever get that kind of relationship through new friends

All things are possible through the Lord and all things are possible to them that believe.

Don't you think the Lord could bring forth another friend like the one you had?

 

[RandyDawson]

Let's not tell them or just look at them and smile like you voted like they did.

Or, it may be best to know and understand there will be no help forthcoming from the donkeys or the elephants.
Help will only come when the Lamb returns.

I'm an equal opportunity offender when it come to politics,
I offend both democrats and republicans as both are morally bankrupt.

It's quite liberating actually because neither side want to bring up politics around me.

 

[Angelina]

It really depends if you are a person who has close friendships with members of the opposite gender. Perhaps they are both married to different partners or one is married and the other is not. That's where it can be a minefield or even an opportunity for the enemy. The two becoming one flesh is a real thing. Personal intimacy cannot be shared with others, even online.

 

[Nancy]

All things are possible through the Lord and all things are possible to them that believe.

Don't you think the Lord could bring forth another friend like the one you had?

Hi Randy, and welcome to CyBoard.
Yes, of course, nothing is impossible with God. Yet, as we age and lose so many loved ones and good friends to a young death, making new ones would be possible but it takes a lot of years, decades even to establish those kind of deep relationships I've been so blessed to have.

God bless your day!

 

[RandyDawson]

Hi Randy, and welcome to CyBoard.
Yes, of course, nothing is impossible with God. Yet, as we age and lose so many loved ones and good friends to a young death, making new ones would be possible but it takes a lot of years, decades even to establish those kind of deep relationships I've been so blessed to have.

God bless your day!

Not only that but once a friend is gained sometimes they get caught up in things that turn them away from the Lord which is happening more and more these days

 

[Nancy]

Not only that but once a friend is gained sometimes they get caught up in things that turn them away from the Lord which is happening more and more these days

That's why the scriptures tell us to be Wise as serpents and gentle as doves. Matt. 10:16

 

[RandyDawson]

That's why the scriptures tell us to be Wise as serpents and gentle as doves. Matt. 10:16

Yep, I've had friends that turned out to not be so Christian after all.
In those instances I had a feeling deep down something was amiss so that was the Lord giving me pause.

 

[Nancy]

Yep, I've had friends that turned out to not be so Christian after all.
In those instances I had a feeling deep down something was amiss so that was the Lord giving me pause.

That was the Holy Spirit warning you away! This too happened to me about 6 years ago, I justified it in my own mind...should have just left it all behind but, I stayed another year and a half and, I pay for that disobedience
So grateful for His forgiveness!

 

[The Learner]

My first hugs came in Second Grade by an odd experience. I had some questions and ideas. That day in class the Teacher spoke about the President of the USA. On the handout was the phone number for the White house. So, at Recuses I asked If I could use the phone in the Office. A Secretary let me set at one of the desks and I called the President. I asked to speak to him. For the fun of it they let me speak to him. I don't remember what we talked about, but he enjoyed talking to me. A week later, the President called the School Office asking to talk with me about how school was going. It was announced over the speakers. My Teacher was puzzled. Mr Hill's Assistant took over the class and he went to the Office with me. The Principal, Mr Hill and myself talked with president Kennedy or Johnson. I guess about Civil Rights. At the Recuse that day all the 5th and 6th grade girls went out of their way to hug me.



When I was in Sixth Grade, I was flown out to Washington with Secret Service and My Mother as my Adult escorts to meet the President at that time. We were introduced to everyone in Congress too. As a new President came into Office, the old one would introduce me to him. During Elections, many candidates would visit my home to talk with me about education, even when I was in the Military. The first time after I got married to Nancy, President Reagan came to our home. First, the Michigan State Police and Green Oak Police showed up followed by Secret service, Fire trucks blocked traffic for a safe route then Reagan's escort vehicles arrived. Our complete family including both sides were having a picnic at the time. When he came to the front door I greeted him and let him in, locked the front door behind him and Police guards took their place. He came into the kitchen to meet my wife. The amazing surprise on Nancy's face was great. He asked me what party everyone belonged to. We went into a bedroom to tell him who was who.

So, with his escorts, we took him outside to introduce him to each person. Not a surprise to me, My side of the Family had no idea who he was. Many of them do not even vote. For future visits from Politicians, Nancy would call her side of the family to tell them who and when someone was coming. If Nancy was not home at the time, I would not let them in because they were coming to talk to me, not to be harrassed by them. Only, after we were done talking, then we let them in.

 

[CoachedByChrist]

Beautiful reminder that God grows faith through people. A spiritual friend who prays, listens, and gently speaks truth is a gift beyond measure. Such friendships carry believers through grief, doubt, and ordinary days alike. May the Lord keep providing friends who sharpen one another and point each other home.

 

[amigo de christo]

And then if they found out you voted for Trump, suddenly they're out.
Or if they found out you voted for a liberal, suddenly they're out.

Tribalism is a thing apparently.

Tribalism . friend that sounds progressive liberal to me .
One thing about this generation i have noticed is
They always worried about pleasing man , Not at all concerned about what pleases God or pleasing GOD .
Dont ya think we owe GOD everything . Not to mention we were supposed to have LOVED GOD , HIS CHRIST
first and foremost , even before our own child , wife , etc .
We too darn worried about reconciling man to man
WE DONE forgot we supposed to be preaching the message that reconciles man TO GOD .
I am very and highl worried and deeply troubled about this UNITY generation
that seeks to always find common ground and worries non stop about what offends man , BUT OBVISOULY
as it hugs rainbows and kisses korans , IT DARN sure aint worried at all about offending GOD .
Just a general reminder for ME YOU AND ALL OF US . we better make darn certain
that unity and love aint b een the version the devil sold as UNITIY and LOVE . just a reminder .

 

[amigo de christo]

That's why the scriptures tell us to be Wise as serpents and gentle as doves. Matt. 10:16

Always remember any love that puts wife , child , humanity or anything before GOD
is not and never did come of GOD .
I see a love that has come upon much of christendom as well as the false religions .
And that love has them all trying to reconcile and be as one .
Kissing on korans , praising the rainbow , accepting and calling sins good and the words of scips that expose sin as evil and as hate .
That love aint of GOD .
IT OF THE DEVIL himself . it unity IS NOT of GOD . its common ground is NOT of GOD .
Someone been real busy lying and selling inclusive ecumeincal love and unity . Devil . HE did this .

 

[amigo de christo]

Not only that but once a friend is gained sometimes they get caught up in things that turn them away from the Lord which is happening more and more these days

wanna know how we love one more than GOD .
When said friend , or wife , or son or daughter decides to live contrary to GOD
and we choose to accept it . that is putting humanity before GOD . And that is a deadly grave sin .
The commandment was and is we were to LOVE GOD with all our heart mind and soul
that we , are not to love mother, father , son or daughter , wife or husband MORE THAN CHRIST .
In fact he or she who does so , JESUS said IS NOT WORTHY OF ME . HE will cast them out .
WE cannot choose to over look the sins in favor of keeping the relationship .
OR we not
only condemn our selves but we also are co helpers to THEIR OWN destruction .
NO LOVE that does not correct COMETH of GOD . NO love that allows sins and unbelief to remain
COMETH OF GOD .
In fact its hate .
YE shall NOT HATE your neighbor in your heart , you WILL correct him and not allow sin upon him .
Like i said earlier , someone been lying to this generation and has been selling them inclusive dragon love
as though it was of GOD .

 

[amigo de christo]

Or, it may be best to know and understand there will be no help forthcoming from the donkeys or the elephants.
Help will only come when the Lamb returns.

I'm an equal opportunity offender when it come to politics,
I offend both democrats and republicans as both are morally bankrupt.

It's quite liberating actually because neither side want to bring up politics around me.

why herein is a marvelous thing
that both our f irst names are Randy and we both expose all that is of politics .
I just found this a bit amusing my friend .
I have long exposed both sides and have begged all to flee any hope in man
and to HOPE and TRUST in GOD . Them politicians are not the answer .
JESUS IS . and both sides also sell the same agenda of the same lie to both sides now .
Its a dog and pony show . keep them divided and all they can see is at most the errors on the o ther side
BUT NEVER their own sides errors . NOR do they realize
that they both are leading both sides into the same agenda in slighlty differing ways