genuine, authentic relationships

As CHRISTians, we should have some genuine, authentic relationships. We don't need a lot of friends, but those we have should be real! They should not be artificial, or surface, but heart-to-heart and from the gut level. . . . honesty, hurts, confessions, weaknesses, and celebrations all shared. Not only are we lacking genuine relationships within the Body, but many do not even value being a part of the Body! Church life is not valued or even desired much anymore. It has become a duty!

This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.  If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.  But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.(1 John 1:5-10)

Let's come out of our darkness and allow the Light to shine upon us and our fellow relationships with fellow believers.  We must face our fears and courageously risk our pride. To have friends we must be friendly! (Proverbs 18:24)

The only way we can grow spiritually is through open and candid relationships.