Some might say, “We belong to different age groups,” and hence, “we can’t understand one another.” This is untrue. If our calculations are correct, regarding the best friends in the Bible, Jonathan was older than David by about 30 years, old enough to be David’s father! Yet they were best friends. What made them such good friends? Reason: they both loved the Lord fervently. In other words, it is not similar age or similar background that makes good friends. Good friendship is a result of both having good spiritual life. This is also why non-Christians and Christians cannot marry. In fact, if you are spiritually unhealthy, you will face marriage problems.

I urge you to make effort to be your fellow-church member’s good friend. When I say “make effort,” I also mean that good friendship has very little to do with “chemistry,” able to “click” due to some unknown reasons, or “love at first sight.” Such belongs to the thinking of the fallen world. Do the following. First, forgive each other. Be warned: if you do not forgive your brother, God will not forgive you too (Matt 18:21-35). Moreover, life is tough. Be kind to one another. Don’t tear each other apart. Second, open yourself to others, that is, share your life. Many years ago in another church, someone said, “No one cares about me!” But was that true? From what I knew about that person, Christians were trying very hard to love that person. However, instead of checking if the problem was with himself/herself, he/she chose to blame others for not caring. We told that person something like, “But did you care for others? Did you let others know that you rejoice when they rejoice? Did you let them know that you are praying for them when they are in sorrow? Were you there for them when they needed help?” Thus, I urge all of us: open our hearts  to each other. If you do not open your life to people, others dare not intrude into your private space. Share your life little by little, but please share.

Third, be sincere. “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil, cling to what is good” (Rom 12:9). Fourth, be regular in the Sunday School, fellowship or cell group. We also thank God for the good fellowship during prayer meeting. Tell people a little about the things that are happening in your life. Of course, don’t say things that are not edifying. But do share your life there. God can use you to be a blessing to people if you would share your life. You need to make time for people. There is life-giving power in every cell group and fellowship group. And of course there is because Jesus says, “For where two or three gather in my Name, there am I with them” (Matt 18:20). No wonder the Spirit filled psalmist says, “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity. It is like precious oil poured down on the head . . .” (Psa 133:1-2). Would you make effort to love your fellow-church member?