| Blogs > marbella3 > The Word For Life. |
|
Companions in Christ Bible in one year: 1 Samuel 4–6 Luke 9:1–17 I thank my God every time I remember you. Philippians 1:3 Today's Scriptures & Insight: Philippians 1:3–8 The Harvard Adult Development Study is a decades-long project that has resulted in a greater understanding of the importance of healthy relationships. The research began with a group of 268 sophomores at Harvard University in the 1930s and later expanded to, among others, 456 residents of downtown Boston. Researchers have conducted interviews with participants and conducted their medical records every few years. They found that close relationships are the most important factor in predicting happiness and health. It turns out that if we surround ourselves with the right people, we will probably experience a deeper sense of joy. This seems to reflect what the Apostle Paul is describing in Philippians 1. Writing from prison, Paul cannot help but tell his friends that he thanks God for them every time he remembers them, praying "with joy" (see. 4). But these are not just friends; these are brothers and sisters of Jesus who "share the grace of God", companions in the Gospel with Paul (v. 7). Their relationship was one of sharing and mutuality, a true communion shaped by the love of God and the gospel itself. Yes, friends are important, but Christ's companions are catalysts for true and profound joy. God's grace can unite us like nothing else. And even through the darkest seasons of life, the joy that comes from that bond will last. Reflect & Pray Who are the friends around you? What's the bottom line of your relationships? How has God's grace shaped your choice of companions? Oh, my God, thank you for the gift of friendship. Help me express my gratitude to those who have been faithful companions to me. Give me the grace to strengthen and encourage them. 
|
|||
|
I do love my Spiritual Community, Abracadabra 
| ||
|
I agree with this very much. I thank God for the friends that He has brought into my life and strengthens that bond all the time. Be a prism, spreading God's light and love, not a mirror reflecting the world's hatred.
|
×
×