The Power of Godly Friends and Community

Audio By Carbonatix

Friendship has always been a cornerstone of my life and my faith journey. As a new Christian, I was blessed with friends who stood by me through thick and thin, offering support and encouragement. As I ventured into the writing world, I found the stories I told often reflected this deep-seated belief in the power of friendship. One such story is that of Kateřina and Josef in Breath of Bones, a novel I co-wrote with my son Nathan.

As I reflect on the powerful bond between Kateřina and Josef in Breath of Bones, I am reminded of the profound impact unity and support have within our faith community. Their friendship, built upon adversity, is a testament to the strength we can draw from one another when we are united in faith and a desire to care for others.

The Power of Unity

In Breath of Bones, Kateřina and Josef face incredible trials, yet their unwavering support for each other provides the strength they need to overcome. This bond reminds me of Ecclesiastes 4:12, which says, “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” This fictional relationship illustrates how we, too, can find resilience and courage through the unity of our faith community and through the support of friends.

When I think about the power of unity in our faith walk, I am also reminded of the Amish community in my novel The Memory Jar. The protagonist, Sarah Shelter, finds solace and strength in her tight-knit community after losing her best friend. The love and support she receives from those around her help her to heal and find hope again. This mirrors the early church described in Acts 2:44-47 where believers were together and had everything in common, sharing their lives and resources in deep, sacrificial love.

In my own life, I have experienced the transformative power of unity within churches, Bible study groups, and through friends. There was a time when I was struggling with a heavy burden—feeling isolated and overwhelmed—when John and I prepared to move from Montana to Arkansas. But then, my church family rallied around me. Their prayers, encouragement, and practical help lightened my load (figuratively and literally!) and lifted my spirits. In those moments, I truly understood Galatians 6:2, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

Unity is not just about being physically present. It’s also about being spiritually and emotionally engaged with one another. It’s about listening, supporting, and praying for each other. It’s about celebrating joys and mourning losses together, as Kateřina and Josef did in Breath of Bones and as Sarah Shelter experienced in The Memory Jar.

The bond between Kateřina and Josef also reminds me of the importance of bearing with one another in love. Ephesians 4:2-3 exhorts us to “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Their friendship, marked by patience and selflessness, challenges us to strive for unity in our own relationships.

In Beyond Hope’s Valley, another of my novels, we see a beautiful example of unity within a faith community. Marianna Sommer, the protagonist, navigates the complexities of her Amish and English worlds, finding strength and guidance from her community. This reflects how we can find direction and purpose through our faith family’s collective wisdom and support. Yet, how can we find supportive friends and a strong faith community? Here are a few ideas.

 Finding Supportive Friends and a Strong Faith Community

1. Join a Small Group: Small groups or Bible studies are excellent places to form deep, meaningful connections. Being part of a group that meets regularly allows you to share your life and faith journey with others, providing mutual encouragement and support. (A small group is simply a group of people who choose to get together regularly to do life together and study God’s Word.)

2. Serve Together: Volunteering in church ministries or community outreach programs is a powerful way to bond with others. Serving together fosters a sense of unity and shared purpose, strengthening your relationships and faith community.

3. Be Vulnerable and Open: Genuine friendships are built on honesty and vulnerability. Share your struggles and joys with others, and be a safe space for them to do the same. Trust and deep connections grow when we are open and real with one another.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of community. Help me to seek out and nurture supportive friendships within my faith community. Give me the courage to be vulnerable and the grace to support others in their journey. May our unity reflect Your love and bring glory to Your name. Amen.

 Reflection Questions

1. In what ways have you experienced the power of unity in your faith community?
2. How can you more intentionally support and encourage those around you?
3. What steps can you take this week to build deeper connections with your faith family?

May our faith communities be marked by the strength that comes from unity, the love that comes from Christ, and the support that carries us through every trial. In this unity, we find the power to overcome, grow, and reflect God’s heart to the world.

Additional Resources

Journal Through the Bible in 2024

Have you ever wanted to read through the Bible but found yourself giving up? Or even worse, you read the chapters and at the end question how they apply to your life. Tricia Goyer understands. For years she felt frustrated that she couldn’t stick to her commitment to read God’s Word all the way through. Things changed when she found a doable plan and wrote out a daily prayer. Tricia’s heart changed. Her life did, too.

God can bring real transformation into your heart and life when you daily commit to reading your Bible and praying through God’s Word. Praying through the Bible in One Year offers a guided reading plan and a daily prayer starter to help you make God’s Word applicable to your life. Discover the inspiration for real-life transformation.

Purchase a copy of Praying Through the Bible in One Year HERE.