What an odd question! A spiritual friendship sounds like it would be the ideal. Two people making a connection on a deep, “Jesus” level. But hear me out. It is the type of relationship that can potentially end up being the most hurtful. If feelings and opinions “go south” and become an impediment, then is it worth entering any relationship? If we can’t agree on the nuts and bolts of faith and religion, is there any hope for common ground on other topics?

There are off-putting, unwelcoming signs we inadvertently put out. It is not helpful to place qualifying conditions on faith, such as believing before you belong to a church, speaking or acting the “right way”. It makes you crazy and want to give up. Jesus wasn’t like that. In fact, he was often hated and rejected by people like that.

To befriend someone on a spiritual basis, that could entail going to their ballgames, recitals, or parties. Sometimes being a disciple of Christ is about spending less time at church. We are agents, sent out on mission in and for the kingdom of God. We contribute, one person at a time, to changing the world. Now we know about a backup defensive secondary player for the Buffalo Bills, made famous by going into cardiac arrest on national TV after making a tackle. He has been humbly changing the world in his sphere of influence with his charity work, and now donations are pouring in. All players on both teams took to their knees in prayer. God transforms us in the living out of tragic events. Spiritual friendships generate seemingly at random but steered by the Spirit’s power. May the gentle stirrings and tugs as we cultivate relationships be driven by the powerful, unconditional love of God in Christ Jesus.

Pastor Art