People who keep their faith on full prioritize Christ-centered relationships. We weren’t designed to live in isolation (Genesis 2:18), and figuring out life on our own can deplete our resources and drain our faith over time. Our tanks are less likely to empty out when we’re surrounded by people who are investing in us, and when we’re investing in them. Here are three things that Christ-centered relationships provide that are necessary to help your faith grow:
Accountability
Imagine you step on a patch of ice and you feel yourself start to lose your footing – your body lurches, and your arms flail, but someone reaches out to you and helps you steady yourself. That’s what accountability looks like in a Christ-centered relationship!
You may have experienced a warped version of accountability where it felt like others were pointing and laughing at you after you fell down. Galatians 6:1 shows us what true accountability looks like: it says that “if another believer is overcome by sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path.” In Christ-centered relationships, you’ll be surrounded by people who will notice when you start to stumble and gently guide you back onto solid ground.
Belonging
As humans, we’re wired to want to feel like we belong – and oftentimes we’ll do whatever it takes. But in a relationship that keeps your faith on full, you won’t have to be a different version of yourself. In these friendships, you can show up exactly as you are in a “pretend-free” zone.
With people like this, you're safe to be truly vulnerable and bring your questions, doubts, and mistakes without fear of harsh judgement. James 5:16 reminds us to “confess [our] sins to each other and pray for each other so that [we] may be healed,” and that is exactly how Christ-centered relationships operate.
Care
According to the US Department of Energy, 100 pounds of excess weight in your car can lower your gas mileage by up to 2 percent. In other words, carrying extra weight makes the gas tank empty out faster. Similarly, in seasons of life where we’re weighed down by a diagnosis, a layoff, or problems at home, carrying those burdens on our own will deplete our resources faster.
The truth is, we aren’t meant to carry this kind of weight alone. Galatians 6:2 tells us to “share each other’s burdens.” When we have people in our lives who will come alongside us during our heaviest seasons, they can help make the weight a little lighter and easier to carry. That’s how we experience true care in a Christ-centered relationship.
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For our faith to keep growing, we need people who will encourage us, challenge us, and walk with us when life gets heavy. Hopefully a few of these people already come to mind. Groups can help you lay the foundation for Christ-centered relationships that will strengthen your faith. Here are some other resources to help you build more meaningful, intentional relationships:
Message: Choosing the Right Influencers
How to Start a Group in 5 Easy Steps
Find an existing group with our Group Finder
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LCBC stands for Lives Changed By Christ. We are one church in multiple locations across Pennsylvania. Find the location closest to you or join us for Church Online. We can’t wait to connect with you!