Kim Mitchell did an amazing job sharing her heart with us about authentic friendship.
She began by discussing the differences between authentic and surface friendship. Surface friendships tends to be fake, polite, superficial, backstabbing and convenient. Authentic friendship is messy, unconditional, honest, emotional and loyal.
1 Peter 1:22-23
22 Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart. 23 For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.
Kim went on to share the different types of love that are referenced in the BIBLE. The type of love described in 1 Peter is Agape love. An intense, deep, Christ like love. It is a love that has a cost.
She shared an awesome example of a true authentic friendship that she has
with her friend Kristie. With the Lord's help Kim has been able to assist Kristie through her trials even when it hasn't been easy or convenient for her. God has been faithful and has shown himself through their friendship.John 10:10
10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
We can have an abundant life and pure joy by loving God and others, but it will cost you something. It may be your time, energy, even your sleep. Think about what God's love for you has cost him.
Kim left us with these thoughts: Are you willing to sacrifice to truly love someone else? Who is God asking you to love?
