Realize you have plenty to offer in any relationship.
| posted 1/30/2009
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"Singles ministry." What an annoying term! On first reading it seems to imply ministry to singles. But when you stop to think about it, it's exactly the right phrase: singles are the ministers as well as those ministered to. Every church member—married or single—both gives and receives. This is the same balance that feeds healthy relationships with all your friends. And when a friend gets married, this married person still needs your perspective—and you need his—for a richer, more fulfilling life.
So work toward mutuality with your married friend, instead of one of you always giving and the other one always receiving. Share your work, church, struggles, and victories. Encourage each other to honor God in each area of life. Weep together. Laugh together.
Just like any two friends, you'll struggle to find time together that fits both your schedules. You'll need to honor each other's commitments. But maintaining your friendship is possible with patience, commitment, and God (instead of your married or non-married state) as your foundation! (See also Ephesians 5:1-5; 1 John 4:7-12.)
Good Words to Remember:
Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be likeminded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus. Romans 15:5
Today's Challenge:
Are you working toward mutuality with your married friends? How?
Copyright 2001 by the author or Christianity Today International/Christian Bible Studies.
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