4:108 – How Can I Be An Ally?

#faithbites #faithjourney ally

Setting

Yesterday we talked about the importance of calling on your allies because we can’t do it alone. God has shown us over and over that we need him, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and our dear friends. The question is how can I be an ally to others and how do I know if I’m doing a good job?

Now, before you get worried, it’s ok, we all mess up and get better at this with practice!

Today’s Questions: How can I be an ally to others? What skills and abilities did God give me to benefit others?

Scripture

• Proverbs 17:17 – A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
• Proverbs 27:17 – Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.
• 1 Thessalonians 5:11 – Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
• Hebrews 10:24-25 – And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
• 1 Peter 4:8-10 – Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:

Reflection

As our Pastor said that some sermons are preachy and others are teachy, this is more teachy. Let’s look at what the scripture says a friend or an ally should do. Friends should love at All times, sharpen one another, encourage and affirm, meet together, stir up good works, show hospitality and servance, and help each other improve. Friendship or allyship isn’t a one way street. We can take and not give.

We also see that a brother is born of adversity. Who are those people that you can call upon when you are at your worst? You might not even know who is out there until you call. We discussed that yesterday.

Today, is looking at what we are to do. Of course, all of that can be summed up in love others as you love yourself. Be the ally you want to be.

As we close, challenge yourself to be that friend you want. Meet with your friends (yes, Zoom is ok). Challenge them and speak truth. We invite friendship, but as they say in PLI, we love you too much to leave you where you are. Finally, love them no matter what.

Prayer

Father God, thank you for providing allies and friends. We know we couldn’t do it with them. Today, we pray that you will help is be the friend that others need. Let us imitate you and be of the service that our friends need. When we fail at being a good friend, forgive us, and teach us to be better. We pray this in your name, Amen.