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FRIENDSHIP THAT DEFINES DISCIPLESHIP

1. LOVE YOUR BROTHER

1 John 3:10, 1 John 4:20, 21
We must define friendship by loving each other. Where we have differences and issues with other disciples, we must be urgent to resolve the situation.

Q. Towards whom do you have negative feelings and bad attitudes?

In many cases, the church will be hurt not so much from outside opposition, but by divisions within. Do not be party to the church's destruction.

2. LOVE WITH ACTIONS

1 John 3:16-18
There are many ways for us to show our friendship and love. Serve other disciples. Give to disciples in need. Share your food at Christmas time with those who don't have food for Christmas. Think of those who may not be able to afford Christmas celebrations as elaborate as yours. Let Christmas be a time of friendship and not of thinking only of ourselves.

Matthew 20:28
Jesus was a servant at heart - a true friend. Look to love, give and be a friend, and not just to be served and loved.

3. LOVE THE LIGHT

1 John 1:5-10, 1 John 2:15-17
We must absolutely hate sin and temptation. The holiday period is one of increased levels of temptation. There are many parties and activities that go late into the night. Keep your head, your faith and your purity.

-Don't stay late at parties.
-At parties, don't get into compromising situations, e.g. being in dark or isolated places with members of the opposite sex.
-Use every opportunity to share your faith.
-Have a bible study plan for the holiday period.
-Spend as much time with disciples as possible, e.g. visit disciples, invite them over, travel up-country with disciples.
-Seek advice about any challenging situation you imagine you may face.
-If anything goes wrong, confess urgently.

4. LOVE THE LOST

1 John 4:6,9
God loved by sending a messenger. Now, love by being a messenger.

Use the holiday period to reach out to people. Don't take a break from evangelizing. Satan hasn't taken a break. And neither has the Holy Spirit! So use the time where we celebrate Jesus birth to help people to be born again in Jesus. This is the best friend that you can be to non-disciples this Christmas.

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