Courtney and Melissa talk with Christine Hoover about why we need friends and how to make them. They discuss how to get over the awkwardness of walking into a room where you don’t know anyone, why our friendships may shift in different life stages, how our friends shape us, and how an idealized view of friendship (where your friends never disappoint you) runs counter to the gospel.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

• The Hard Work of Lifelong Friendships

RELATED RESOURCES:

• Want to Grow in Wisdom? You Need Gospel Friends.
• Why Ministry Partners Are Better than Instagram Friends
• How to Be the Friend You’ve Always Wanted
• Messy Beautiful Friendship by Christine K. Hoover

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. How has your experience of making friends changed in different seasons of your life? Which seasons have been most challenging, and why?

2. In what ways are your current friendships gospel-centered? Where do you sense room for growth?

3. Where has God placed you—at church, at work, at home, or in your community—to notice and include those who may feel overlooked or alone?

4. What qualities of a faithful, Christlike friend are you asking God to grow in you right now?

5. How does the gospel speak to the fears or expectations that hinder our friendships?

6. How are you intentionally prioritizing fellowship with Christ? How does your relationship with him shape what you offer in your friendships?

7. What next step is God calling you to take in your pursuit of gospel-centered friendship?

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