Life Together
Theme of the week: United We Stand
Thursday, October 25, 2012
 1 of 1
Key Bible Verse: Share each other's burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2) Dig Deeper: Galatians 6:1-3
The men in my Band of Brothers [small] group know that I struggle with anxiety and sexual temptation. That knowledge, gained by hearing my story again and again, helps them discern when to support, encourage, challenge, or correct. Even when their assistance hurts, "wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy" (Prov. 27:6).
Don't miss my phrase "again and again." That's a characteristic of a brother; he listens to your story, even if you've told it a hundred times. Additionally, if we do feel a spiritual prompting to confront a brother, Scripture teaches us to do it only with humility and gentleness (Gal. 6:1).
Once you've been entrusted with another man's story, you're able to respond with help or caution based on his revelation of himself. For example, let's say I find out that one of my brothers is struggling with loneliness. I know, because of hearing his story, that loneliness is not just some struggle for him, it's an all-out assault. In that moment I am able to respond in a way that shows I really understand what he's dealing with. Hearing a man's testimony is not a small thing—it's holy ground; it binds your life to his as one committed to watching his back.
—Vance Brown in No Matter the Cost
My Response: Who do I feel most comfortable sharing my struggles with? Why do I feel comfortable sharing deeply and honestly with this friend?
Thought to Apply: The plain, unvarnished truth is, every one of us needs the accountability that comes from formal, regular, intimate relationships with other godly people.—Wayne Mack (biblical counselor)
Adapted from No Matter the Cost (Bethany House, 2012) by permission. All rights reserved by the copyright holder and/or the publisher. May not be reproduced.
Copyright © 2012 by Christianity Today/Men of Integrity magazine. Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity. 1 of 1
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Lord, compel me to seek out like-minded men who will commit to investing in each other's lives, so that we can encourage one another in the walk of faith.
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