This is the House that God Built

I have been reflecting on friendship recently. The word 'friend' has become a very flippant and overused term.  To be a friend is a blessing and an honour, one not taken on lightly, but nurtured through love and care.  The fruits of friendship are beautiful and are reflected in the fruits of the spirit, that I speak of so often (Galatians 5).

A friend does not run when trouble comes knocking...

A friend does not intentionally hurt or condemn...

A friend both laughs and cries with you...

A true friend is forever...

This last weekend God has been speaking to me much about friendship.

The first was at the ANZAC Day parade.

Holy Spirit whispered "This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you.  There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends."(John 15:12)

 Look at these men.  Remember I look upon those that have died and are not with them.  They layed down their lives for their friends.  They layed down  their lives so that you may live today.  In the same way you must love your friends.  In this same way you must love me.

We then had the privilege of spending time with old friends.  Some of which we had not seen for over 4 years.  We have friends such as these, that we may see for short amounts of time, but they remain close to the heart.  When we meet together we are joined by one spirit; Holy Spirit.  When we spend time together it is akin to coming home to a safe, nurturing, loving environment.  Like when you go away on holiday and arrive back in your own home, a sense of belonging and warmth fills your heart.  Many soft words are spoken, ingrained on the canvas of your soul.  Many loud belly laughs are shared.  Many new memories are forged.

Down at the cotton farm with our friends

Our third experience this week was with relatively new friends.  Friends we have known for just over a year now, with whom we share a special connection.  We share new adventures, new conversations, learn about each other, pray for one and other and enjoy each other's company.  We are buiding with new bricks, a friendship wall that will stand the test of time.

Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself. (Ephesians 2:20)

I believe this was partly what God was talking about with the passage above.  As we love one another, as Jesus loves us, God is building his church.  We are his house.  And that is why when you gather together with longtime friends it feels just like you are coming home; home to the house that God built.

This is the home that God built.

This is the woman who danced in the home that God built.

This is the man that married the woman that danced in the home that God built.

These are the boys who play and grow strong, born to the man that married the woman, that danced in the home that God built...

Will you be a part of God's Home?