Jesus was called a “friend of sinners.”
A wide gap exists between being friendly and being friends. Being friendly costs nothing and accepts no responsibility for the other person’s well-being. Being a friend accepts the bonds and context of being someone others can depend on.
How does a man find a friend? How do we forge a brotherly bond? Scripture states it’s by, “showing yourself friendly.” It’s by becoming the kind of friend to other men that they want for themselves.
I compare it to a grove of redwood trees. Some soar as high as 300 feet and live as long as 2500 years. Redwoods are the largest living things on Earth, yet their roots are only 6 feet deep. They grow so tall and withstand the elements for so long because their roots are entwined. They support and sustain each other. If you cut down one redwood, they all suffer. Redwoods need one another to survive. So do we. It’s called friendship. It’s called brotherhood.
This holiday season, I want to encourage you to be a friend. Be the brother that another man needs during this season.
Where do you find a brother?
He's near you ... look for the like-minded warrior and reach out. Connect at church, volunteer at youth leagues, serve the poor and hopeless. You'll find your friends as you help others find hope. What bonds men is facing the issues shoulder to shoulder.
Be intentional. Every day, find a way to encourage another brother.
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Every day, text two men.
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Show up at your men's group.
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Volunteer at the church.
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Go into the community to help some kids.
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Reach out to other men who are doing something and go with them.
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Serve at your local food bank or the Salvation Army (Fathers: take your kids with you!)
Building a band of brothers will change the atmosphere of your life, your church, your family—brotherhood will make you healthy. And it makes your relationships healthy.
That’s exactly what Jesus did when He came to earth--built a band of brothers.
This holiday season, let’s live in the passion that Jesus did. Let’s serve Jesus our
Lord by connecting as brothers and by loving God and serving others.
