Digging Deeper: Christian Friends vs. Christian Friendship
3 And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. 4 And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay. 5 And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”
Mark 2:3-5 (ESV)
CHRISTIAN FRIENDS VS. CHRISTIAN FRIENDSHIP
Years ago, a pastor said something that changed the way I view my close relationships: “There is a difference between Christian friends and Christian friendships.” His point is that we can easily surround ourselves with other believers, but Christian friendships play an active role in pushing us closer to Jesus.
In this story we see that there were four men who were not content to just hold the same values as the paralytic. I wonder how the story would have gone if these guys just went to the same church? Or if they just took a second to pray before eating? Or if they expressed the same political views as the paralytic? There is nothing wrong with these things, but I wonder if we have tricked ourselves into becoming content with just having Christian friendships. It’s easier that way, right? If they have the same beliefs as you then there are little to no disagreements. We get along. We smile at each other at church, but that is the extent of our friendship.
I wonder if God wants more out of our relationships. Christian friendships are willing to push each other, even when it is uncomfortable. Christian friendships are there to stand in the gap when life is tough. Christian friendships are willing to do Whatever It Takes to get their friends to Jesus, even tearing off a roof.
The passage we covered this past Sunday hits its focal point in verse 5 when we find out that Jesus didn’t just have compassion for the paralyzed man, but the faith of the friends is what caused this man to find his miracle. It wasn’t the paralytic’s faith, but the friends’ faith. They carried him to Jesus.
Let me ask you, who are you carrying to Jesus? It can be difficult, inconvenient, and uncomfortable, but if your friendship is truly centered on Christ, it is always worth it. I want to challenge you today. Will you commit to carrying somebody to Jesus? Take a minute and pray for a friend, co-worker, or family member who does not know Jesus. Pray that God would use your words and actions to help them find him. This story ends in salvation but even as believers we need a constant reminder of the good news of Jesus. Take time today to encourage a close friend, spouse, or child and see how you can better help them to look like Jesus.
Sellers Hickman serves as College Pastor at NorthStar Church and loves cheering on his Ole Miss Rebels. He and his wife, Hannah, live in Dallas, Ga. with their one year old, Emery. He also serves as the chaplain for the KSU Men’s Basketball team.