SUMMARY: Friends
OVERVIEW: A group of friends brings their paralyzed friend to Jesus so that Jesus could heal him. Jesus heals the man, and some teachers of the law criticize Jesus for that.
BIG IDEA: Friends help friends know Jesus.
KEY VERSE: Mark 2:4–5 (Jesus to man and friends)
They couldn’t bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, so they dug a hole through the roof above his head. Then they lowered the man on his mat, right down in front of Jesus. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “My child, your sins are forgiven.”
IF GOD WROTE YOU A LETTER
Your friends need me. When you notice the needs of others and act with compassion, they see me. Life is short, so don’t avoid the deep issues in people’s lives. Make time for others. Invest in your relationships. You can’t control how others respond to you, but be “all in” with others. Be willing to ask your friends the tough questions. Be ready to share your pain with them. Be prepared to celebrate with them. Be there for them.
Friendship is not about putting expectations on others. Sharing me with others is not about slogans or winning arguments. Listen more. Give more. Let go of your demands. Let someone else win. Give someone else the spotlight. Forgive. Admit your failures. Be inconvenienced. Put others first. Come to me again and again, and I will help you do those things again and again. As you breathe life into others, I will breathe life into you. Seek me, and I will provide all you need.
NEXT STEP
On social media today, don’t post anything about yourself. Post something encouraging about a friend who needs encouragement. If that friend needs help in some way, gather other friends to meet the need. Don’t boast about your kindness; just do it.
MUSIC VIDEO