Friendship In The Gospel.
We desire Friendship, and the reality is that safe Friendship is elusive.
In the world of digital connections, differing views on everything, overpacked schedules, commuting distances, home offices, and the never-ending options to meet our desires have contributed to a friendship deficit. An unhealthy focus on self-care over relationships can lead to a deficiency that multiplies.
Over the past few years, I have personally felt a growing desire and need for deeper friendships. There is a longing for Friendship that is grounded in something deeper than shared space or utility. Over the past few years, I have enjoyed the docu-series featuring Ewan McGregor and Charlie Boorman, two friends who have traveled the globe on motorbikes (Long Way Round, Long Way Down, Long Way Up & Long Way Home). Their example of love, care, and unity makes me wish I could be a part of their endearing Friendship. That I could be that type of friend.
In Paul’s letter to the Philippians, Friendship is at the heart of every word.
Paul writes about a Friendship centered on something greater than utility, selfishness, and time. Paul, incarcerated in prison, knows there is a probability he may never see the city of Phillipi again, or the members of the church there. He writes a ‘friendship letter’ that begins by describing the foundation of their friendship. Their friendship is founded and remains because they are ‘Partners in the Gospel.’
This Partnership, or we could say friendship in the gospel, is often different than our view of friendship or partnerships. Our understanding of friendship is similar to that of the Greek philosopher Aristotle. He viewed friendship as an equal, two-way connection based on loyalty to one another, shared interests, or fulfilling each other's needs. The friendship in the Gospel that Paul writes about is a three-way friendship where the Gospel is the center and Christ is the Head. This is the type of deep friendship that has an eternal foundation.
When Paul confronts his friends for not living holy lives and being selfish, he does so by also pointing them to their shared belief in Jesus Christ. Philippians 2:5–9
When Paul speaks of his and their suffering, he points to the suffering of Christ. Philippians 1:27-30
When he challenges them on their joyless life, he points to their source of Joy. Philippians 4:4-7
When he writes about the challenges of living in a pagan city, he points them to their shared citizenship in Heaven. Philippians 3:20-21
The friendship we all desire is possible because Christ holds our friendships and partnerships together.
But there is more! It is not just relationships that find meaning and purpose when Christ is a part of them. A joyful life and joyful church, the growth of our hearts and growth of the church, the spread of the gospel, hope in eternal life, and our growth in holiness are all possible by the grace of Christ.
As we walk together through this “Friendship Letter” this fall, my prayer is that we would grow up in the Grace and knowledge of Christ together. He alone is worthy of and capable of holding our fellowship, mission, and friendships together. The list of things that can tear us apart is long, weak, and constantly advertises division.
We must hold the gospel as our center and Christ as our head.
I pray that we will become a more beautiful church, strengthened in what unites us, growing in holiness by grace, full of joy, friendship, and partnership in welcoming our neighbors into our fellowship and partnership in the Gospel.
