Letting Go and Holding Onto Jesus

**Introduction**:

Question: Have you ever had to let go of a friend?

Sometimes in life, as we walk with Jesus, there are relationships that we must let go of, not out of spite or bitterness, but out of obedience and growth. I want to dive deep into understanding how Jesus can guide and comfort us during such times.

**1. The Nature of Relationships:**

God created us for relationships. From the very beginning, God said, "It is not good for man to be alone." Yet, the quality and purpose of these relationships matter deeply. Remember, Judas was among the twelve disciples, and yet he betrayed Jesus. Proximity doesn't always equate to godliness or beneficial connections.

-Proximity doesn't always equate to godliness or beneficial connections.

This concept is not directly stated in one scripture, but it's implied in many passages, especially in the gospels where Jesus warns about false prophets and outward appearances. One example is:

Matthew 7:15 (ESV): "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves."

**2. The Seasons of Life:**

Ecclesiastes 3 (E-Clee-si-asties )reminds us there is a time for everything. A time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing. Just as there are seasons in nature, there are seasons in our relationships. Some friendships are for a reason, some for a season, and others for a lifetime.

**3. Letting Go is Not Rejecting:**

When we talk about letting go of a friend, it doesn't mean we've stopped loving them. Jesus loved Judas even in his betrayal. Letting go means that we've come to a realization: perhaps our spiritual journeys are taking different paths, or perhaps the relationship is hindering our walk with Christ.

**4. Holding onto Jesus in Pain:**

When we take our eyes out of Jesus it makes it so much harder. Remember when Peter tried to walk on water in Matthew 14? He began to sink when he took his eyes off Jesus. When we face the painful task of letting go, let's fix our eyes on Jesus, the author, and perfecter of our faith. He alone can keep us from sinking in the waves of pain and confusion.

**5. The Truest Friend We Have:**

"Well, let me tell you about a kind of love that's even bigger than that. There's this verse in the Bible, John 15:13, that says, 'No one has greater love than this: to lay down his life for his friends.' It's like... imagine if your best friend saw a car coming your way and pushed you out of the way, taking the hit instead. That's the kind of love we're talking about."

(Pause for impact.)

"Jesus is that friend. He literally did that for us, but on a cosmic scale. When we mess up, make mistakes, feel down, or even when we feel like we're on top of the world, His love never changes. It's like having the world's best BFF who's always there, even when other friends might come and go."

(End with a personal touch.)

"I know it sounds wild, but I've felt that love in my own life. And I promise you, it's real. If you ever feel alone or that no one gets you, remember Jesus does. He's the ultimate best friend."

Even when human friendships fail or change, Jesus’ friendship remains steadfast and sacrificial.

**6. Pruning for Growth:**

Pruning is like giving your plants a little hair cut. You snip away those unhelpful branches or stems, not to harm the plant, but to help it! By removing the parts that aren't doing well, you allow the plant to focus its energy on the healthy parts. This means bigger blooms, juicier fruits, and a happier plant overall.

In John 15:1-10, Jesus talks about pruning. It says “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. Every branch in me that does not produce fruit he removes, and he prunes every branch that produces fruit so that it will produce more fruit. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I in you. Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, neither can you unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without me. If anyone does not remain in me, he is thrown aside like a branch and he withers. They gather them, throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you want and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this: that you produce much fruit and prove to be my disciples. “As the Father has loved me, I have also loved you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commands you will remain in my love”

SO What is Jesus saying

*****The branches that don't bear fruit are cut off to allow for new growth. Sometimes, God removes certain people from our lives to allow for spiritual growth, to draw us closer to Him, or to pave the way for new, godly relationships.

AS I said earlier Some friendships are for a reason, some for a season, and others for a lifetime.

**7. Embracing God’s Community:**

Letting go of a friend doesn't mean we walk alone. God provides a spiritual family. The church is a body, each member having its function. As we let go of certain relationships, let's be intentional about diving deeper into community, serving and loving one another as Christ has loved us. LETS START GETTING comfortable being uncomfortable

**WHAT I MEANS**:

Life is a series of hellos and goodbyes, of connections and disconnections. But in every season, Jesus remains the constant. He knows the pain of betrayal, the weight of loneliness, and yet He overcame. If you're in a season of letting go, remember that Jesus holds onto you. Lean into Him, trust His heart, and let Him guide your path.

May the peace of Christ, which surpasses all understanding, guard your hearts and your minds. Amen.