“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!”
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Marriage Cultivation
One thing MD5 taught us as men is to partner with our wives in our lives, in faith, family, finances, and fitness. We should all go to our bride and best friend when we need encouragement, to vent, and a listening ear. This proves vital for our marriages and cultivating intimacy.
Trusted Friends
However, I would argue that having trusted friends, who are men, prove just as important and impactful but in a different way. How many of us have been discouraged, faced disappointment and decided to hold it in. We are all guilty of this at one time or another.
We think we can put our heads down and “dig in!” However, believers need community. We as men need our community of pall bearers and even additional friends in both good times and bad.
We Need Each Other
Our current pandemic brings uncertainty, frustration, discouragement, and fatigue. We need other Christian men who can build us up, lift us up, and even tell us to put our “big boy pants on” (something my father often told me growing up) when we need to demonstrate grit and perseverance. We need Christian men who will tell us what we need to hear even if it is not what we want to hear.
Tell the Truth in Love
I once heard a Christian Counselor say that when we tell someone what they want to hear, we do not love them enough to tell them what they need to hear in love. We can be cowards in those moments.
Challenge Each Other
I challenge you to develop meaningful friendships with other Christian men who will love you enough to tell you what you need to hear, build you up, encourage you, and call you to repentance when necessary.
So, who are you inviting to breakfast or lunch next week?
John Gore
MD5 Facilitator
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