The Circle of Friendship
Prepare for Launch
get ready with these Helpful Resources
Luke 10:25-37; 1 Cor. 13:4-7; Matt. 22:36-40
“World's Strongest Adhesive”
A few years back, a German company secured the Guinness Record for world's strongest adhesive. Using just enough adhesive to cover the top of a Coke can, they held up a 17.5-ton garbage truck! From macaroni art glue to the industrial adhesives that hold our cars and iPhones together, it's nice to find something sticky enough to keep things connected. And that brings us right to the heart of friendship.
Love and compassion are the super glue that binds a friendship together.
THE BIG IDEA
Scripture explains the bond between two of history's most famous friends — David and Jonathan — by how they loved each other. It's no wonder they were "knit" at the soul (1 Sam. 18:1) when three times it says Jonathan "loved him as his own soul" (1 Sam. 18:1, 3; 20:17).
Jesus illustrated how to "love your neighbor as yourself" (Matt. 22:36-39) with the story of a Good Samaritan who "felt compassion" (Luke 10:33, NASB) and then "showed mercy" (Luke 10:37). We must "do likewise" (Luke 10:37), turning empathy into active kindness.
You need someone who knows you, who "bears all things" and "believes all things" when you're not at your best (1 Cor. 13:7). One who embodies the proverb, "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity" (Prov. 17:17). Raymond Beran defined friends as "people with whom you dare to be yourself," adding, "You do not have to be on your guard … Friends understand those contradictions in your nature that lead others to misjudge you." Who wouldn't want that? But as Emerson said, "The only way to have a friend is to be one."
Christ elevated the word "friend" forever when he described his incredible love for us as friendship. He called disciples "friends" (John 15:15) and said: "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:12-14).
How are you demonstrating love for your friends?
THE BIG QUESTION
Heart of the Matter
Love Others as Yourself
INTRODUCTION
Launch the study with a CONVERSATION STARTER on the Big Idea.
Read or watch “World's Strongest Adhesive” (above). ICE BREAKER — Get everyone engaged and talking.
How do you say, "I love you," to a friend without it being weird?ACT I
JESUS SAID — Luke 10:25-37
What’s the main point of this passage?
What insights and applications do you take from these words of Christ? What do we need to get from these words that — if understood and applied — has the power to bless and strengthen us?Is there anything else here you find helpful or interesting? Anything you’ve never noticed before — or have always loved about these words?
ACT II
SCRIPTURE DU JOUR — 1 Cor. 13:4-7
How does this description of love fit into the overall book and chapter?
If you replace the word "love" with "Christ," do you think it gives a fitting description of how Jesus lived on earth? What if you replace "love" with your name? Are there any attributes that seem to particularly fit your character? Any that you particularly need to work on?Focusing on verse 7, what does it mean that love believes all things and hopes all things? How have others shown you a love that endures and bears all things?
ACT III
REACH OUT — Connect with each other with this question.
When have you shown a friend your worst side and they loved you anyway?WRAP UP
THE CHALLENGE — Ready to put it into practice?
Ask a friend, "How can I be a better friend to you?"REQUEST — Go to God in a closing prayer.
“Lord, thank you for sending Jesus to sacrifice for us — his friends“ (cf. John 15:12-15).NEXT SESSION — Listen Up
Prepare by reading James 1:19; Prov. 12:15; 18:2, 13