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Friendships in Transition

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Chart

KEY FRIENDSHIPS IN KEY TRANSITIONS

Type

Transition

Biblical Example

Key Phrase

Issues Involved

Truth Teller

Increase in power, status, wealth

Nathan with David (post Bathsheba)

2 Sam. 11-12

"You are that man!"

Isolation

Intimidation

Deterioration in core convictions

Loyalist

Aloneness, pain, going to a "new place" (physically, spiritually, or emotionally)

Ruth with Naomi

Ruth 1

"Where you go, I will go"

Accepting freely given love

Being messy and unresolved in front of others

Mentor

Feeling "in over one's head," new responsibilities

Paul with Timothy

1&2 Timothy

"I am giving you these instructions, Timothy, my child..."

Finding or making time for one amidst new pressures

Humility in asking for help

Partner

Given a new mission by God

Eve with Adam

Genesis 2

"I will make him a helper as his partner."

Mutuality

Different gifts

Union over independence

Shared convictions

Past Followers

Leaving people you've cared for and influenced

The Thessalonians with Paul

1 Thessalonians

"How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before God because of you? Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and restore whatever is lacking in your faith."

    Showing ongoing concern and affection
    Intentional visits
    Closure and farewells
    Continued influence

FRIENDSHIPS AFTER COLLEGE

WHO HAS GOD GIVEN ME?

FOR WHAT PURPOSE?

WHAT DO I NEED TO DO/ASK FOR?

1. Identify the key transitions that you will be facing in the upcoming years:

2. Which friends in your life will especially be important to help you face those transitions faithfully? Where are "friendship holes?"

3. What issues do you forsee in nurturing and/or finding those friendships?

4. What do you need to ask God to provide? What is he calling you to be intentional about?

5. Repeat these questions from the vantage point of BEING a friend to others? (i.e. ask what key transitions will 2-3 of your friends be facing, how can you help them face those transitions faithfully, etc.).

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