City Life Starter

Written by Stefan Johnsson

The Word

³³ And he answered them, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” ³⁴ And looking about at those who sat around him, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers!

-Mark 3:33-34 (ESV)

While [Jesus] was still speaking to the people, behold, his mother and his brothers stood outside, asking to speak to him. But he replied to the man who told him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers? And stretching out his hand towards his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”

-Matthew 12:46-50

Do not forsake your friend and your father’s friend, and do not go to your brother’s house in the day of your calamity. Better is a neighbor who is near than a brother who is far away.

-Proverbs 27:10

Reflection

Jesus’ intention in Matthew 12 is not to tell His disciples to forsake their families. Instead He said that there is a bond stronger than blood that binds us, and that is our spiritual family. We cannot ignore the relationships of those in our lives who serve the same God. Our church community should be so loving and caring for each other that it creates relationships stronger than close family. As Paul tells the Ephesians, even he has heard of their love for each other. This is how we should be as a church. We should be able to go to our spiritual brothers or sisters in our trials and sorrows, and they will help us more so than what our own family could.

There is a unique and powerful difference between a sibling and that of a close friend. Many of us would share our deepest secrets with a close friend, but not our own brother or sister. The bond of friendship extends further than many of us believe. Even if we develop new friends, these relationships can last a lifetime. It is a drive that comes from seeking community through similarly shared experiences or beliefs.

This verse in Proverbs helps to remind us that we should have and develop close friends. That these relationships are sometimes more important than that of a sibling, especially one who lives in a city different than our own. Of course – this should go without saying – your relationship with your spouse should always be the closest one that you have.

Application

Living far away from immediate family, I quickly saw the need to rely on friends and my church community. In my times of sorrow, it was my friends who were there for me and picked me up. These friendships will never be forgotten.

Some friendships are toxic and those we should quickly remove. Instead we ought to focus on the friendships we are able to develop trust and accountability with. Most of these should be Christian brothers and sisters, but there is nothing wrong with having close friends outside of your faith. God brings people into your life to witness to and develop a lifelong bond with. These friendships are equally important to have.

Have you developed close friends that you can rely on in times of need?

Community is vital for any Christian who wants to grow in faith. If you do not have these strong friendships, seek them out. You cannot wait for others to come to you.

Prayer

Father in heaven, show me the friendships and bonds that You wish for me to have. Let me rely on the brothers and sisters You bring into my life during my trials and sorrows. But also times where we can laugh and live life together. Help me to be open to these relationships that the Holy Spirit sends my way. In the name of Jesus I pray, amen.

(This is an excerpt from Week 5 of “Wise Words from the Word: A Weekly Proverbs Devotional to Enrich Your Spiritual Life” Written by Stefan Johnsson)