Note: This is entry 9 in a study guide series called “Four Seasons of Healing: A Pathway for Those Living with Chronic Illness.” For a list of entries click here.
Part III: Summer: Making Connections (June to August)
If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it
(1 Corinthians 12:26-27)
Romans 12:10, 13, 15
10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Even life forevermore.
James 5:16
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
Galatians 6:2
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ
Devotional
Jesus established the family of God at the Cross where he brought his mother and the beloved disciple together for mutual care: “When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, ‘Woman, here is your son,’ and to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ From that time on, this disciple took her into his home (John 19:26f.). God’s family finds its basis in the mutual fellowship and support through Jesus’ last words. Paul points to this level of family love and care when he writes, “Be devoted to one another in love” where the word for “devoted” is a family-kind of love.
Christian community, though, is not just about any kind of relationship. It is a quality of relationship that is different in kind from those of the world. There is nothing wrong with socializing, watching a movie, or going out to eat. However, if these kinds of social activities become the sum of what Christians do, then they will not likely become spiritual friends. For relationships to be called “Christian” they should reflect something of Christ: his teaching, his ways, his encouragement, obedience, devotion and love.
When believers nurture spiritual friendships, to use another biblical analogy, they become priests of one another to lead each another to Christ. Peter established the priesthood of all believers in his first letter: But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light (1 Peter 2:9).
Opener
Who is someone whom you would call a spiritual friend? Share about your experience with him or her, detailing the ways you support each other in your spiritual walk.
Reading Reflection
Consider practical ways spiritual family and friends can provide healing help to those in pain and need.
- How do you imagine God’s family functioning when members relate to one another with full devotion and love?
- Which characteristic of devotion noted in the Bible passages do you feel most equipped to offer others? Which one do you feel you need to grow the most in your life?
For Further Thought
When believers nurture spiritual friendships, to use another biblical analogy, they become priests of one another to lead each another to Christ. Peter established the priesthood of all believers in his first letter: But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light (1 Peter 2:9).
It is in the priesthood of believers that brothers and sisters in Christ take a vital role in the healing of those who are broken, weak, or ill.
- What role does the identity of being part of a “chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession” play in one’s motivation and ability to be an means of healing in another’s life?
- How do we nurture trust, connection, and relationship so that we can carry out the role of a priest in another’s life?
- How can spiritual friendships be deepened to develop a kind of connection that brings wholeness and healing?
- Galatians 6:2 talks about carrying each other’s burdens. A burden is something that overwhelms or is too difficult for one person to handle. How could this teaching be practiced among your spiritual friends? What are challenges in carrying this instruction out?
Close in Prayer
Pray for spiritual friends who genuinely desire to understand your situation and walk the journey of life with you. Pray for healing for those whom you know are suffering with physical illness or in other ways.
PsoHoward 