Empowered to Sustain: Guided by the Holy Spirit

Good afternoon. It is my pleasure to welcome you today as we continue in our series on Spiritual Friendship.

Before we delve into our topic today, let me extend a warm welcome to each and every one of you. Whether you're joining us in person or online, your presence here is deeply appreciated. We are a community of faith, and we are honored to share this time of worship and reflection with you.

Now, let's turn our attention to the heart of today's message – 'Empowered to Sustain: Guided by the Holy Spirit.' In our ongoing series on Spiritual Friendship, we've explored the beauty of cultivating meaningful connections with one another. But today, we zoom in on a critical aspect of these friendships – sustaining, or as I like to call it, 'walking alongside our hurting friends.'

In a world where challenges and trials seem to be part of our daily existence, we must grasp the significance of sustaining one another. As we gather here today, let's acknowledge something we all understand deep within our hearts: sometimes, life in this fallen world can feel like "the fall" is just falling all over us.” Pain and despair are a part of the human experience. They are not signs of our faith's weakness but reminders of our need for God's strength.

So, why is this sermon so crucial for us to hear today? Because in our spiritual journey, we are not meant to go it alone. We are called to be spiritual friends who, in times of trouble, come alongside one another, offering empathy, support, and the grace-filled love of Christ. It's a reminder that our faith isn't just about personal salvation; it's about the way we walk together as a community, especially when the journey gets tough.

Today, we will explore what it means to truly sustain one another and why it's a vital part of our spiritual friendships. As we journey through this message, may our hearts be open to the wisdom and grace God has for us, and may we leave here inspired to be better sustainers of our hurting friends.

Let's embark on this journey together, seeking God's guidance and grace, for there is much to discover about the art of sustaining and the power it holds in our spiritual friendships.

Grace Connecting

The first point of Sustaining that I want to talk about is "Grace connecting or committed involvement." It's a concept deeply rooted in the Scriptures, encapsulated in the words of the Apostle Paul to the Galatians in chapter six verse two we read.

Galatians 6:2we ESV

Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

To be truly committed in our involvement with our hurting friends, we must first sense their story of despair. What does this mean? It means that we pause to listen, not just with our ears but with our hearts. It means that we look beyond the surface, beyond the smiles and the "I'm fine" responses, to truly understand what's going on in their lives.

In our journey through the pages of the Bible, we encounter a profound example of sensing a friend's story of despair in the person of Jesus Himself. When Jesus received the news of the death of His dear friend Lazarus, He didn't rush to perform a miracle. Instead, He paused. He allowed the weight of the moment to sink in. He wept.

In His tears, we see the heart of Jesus, the embodiment of grace connecting with the human experience. He sensed the depth of Mary and Martha's despair, even though He knew that He would soon raise Lazarus from the dead. He chose to enter into their sorrow, to feel it with them, to weep alongside them.

Imagine a friend going through a difficult time - perhaps a loss, an illness, or a personal crisis. Instead of offering advice or solutions, you choose to be present with them. You sit beside them, listen when they want to talk, and remain silent when words fail. This ministry of presence, like Jesus with Mary and Martha, is a powerful way of sensing their story of despair. It says, "You are not alone in this."

But sensing isn't enough. True committed involvement goes a step further. It means we commit to walking with our hurting friends through the pain. It means we choose to be there not only in the easy moments but especially in the darkest hours.

Galatians 6:2 tells us to "carry each other's burdens," and carrying implies a burden that we must then help to carry. It's not always easy. It might mean sacrificing our time, setting aside our agenda, and being willing to bear some of their pain ourselves.

As we talk about commitment, let's turn to a biblical example. In the Gospels, we see the commitment of the Apostle Peter to walk with Jesus through thick and thin. Peter wasn't perfect; he made mistakes and even denied knowing Jesus. Yet, his commitment was unwavering. He witnessed the highs and lows of Jesus' ministry, and he stayed by His side, even to the cross.

It's this kind of commitment that we're called to in our spiritual friendships. To walk with our friends through the pain, to be there when the burdens are heavy, and to journey with them in both the mountaintop moments and the valleys of despair.

Imagine a friend who's going through a difficult divorce. You commit to being there, not just for a chat over coffee, but for the long, painful road ahead. You're the shoulder they can lean on, the voice of encouragement when hope feels distant. Your commitment to walking with them through the pain is a profound expression of grace connecting.

As we reflect on these two points today, let's remember that our Christian faith calls us to be people of grace and commitment. Sensing the stories of despair and committing to walk with our hurting friends are not just acts of friendship; they are acts of love and obedience to our Savior, who carried the greatest burden of all for us.

Rich Soul Empathizing

In the rich tapestry of sustaining spiritual friendships, we find ourselves woven into a profound truth – the art of empathizing deeply, a practice we refer to as "rich soul empathizing or climbing into the casket." This concept is deeply rooted in the words of the Apostle Paul found in Romans 12:15, where he encourages us to

Romans 12:15 ESV

Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.

Empathy is the heartbeat of sustaining, the rhythm that resonates with the heartaches and triumphs of our friends. It's the art of feeling with someone, not just for them. It transcends words; it's about being present with a heart that listens, understands, and weeps when they weep.

In the Gospels, we find a poignant example of empathizing with a friend's pain in the person of Jesus. When Jesus received news of the death of His cousin, John the Baptist, He withdrew to a solitary place, seeking a moment to mourn. Yet, the crowds followed Him. In that moment, Jesus could have dismissed them, overwhelmed as He was with grief. However, He chose to embrace them through empathy.

Jesus saw the crowd's needs, their hunger for His presence and teachings, and He was moved with compassion. He healed their sick and miraculously fed thousands with a few loaves and fish. In the midst of His own mourning, He embraced their needs, demonstrating the profound power of empathy.

Again imagine a friend who is going through a painful divorce. Instead of offering advice or attempting to fix the situation, you sit down with them, offer a listening ear, and say, "I can't imagine how you feel, but I'm here to listen and support you." Your empathy creates a safe space for them to express their emotions and know that they are not alone.

Empathy calls us to go beyond understanding someone's pain; it invites us to enter into their world of pain and mourning with them. It's not just feeling sympathy from a distance; it's being willing to share in their suffering, even if it means getting our hands dirty.

Our biblical example for this point takes us to the Book of Job. When Job's friends initially heard about his suffering, they came to him and sat with him in silence. But it was when they began offering explanations and theological arguments that they missed the mark. They failed to enter into Job's world of pain and mourning, opting instead to stand outside, offering what they thought were solutions.

Now picture a friend who has lost a loved one. They don't need you to explain why it happened or what comes next. They need you to simply be there, to cry with them, to hold their hand, and to shoulder the weight of their grief. Entering into their world of pain and mourning means being a steady presence when their world feels unsteady.

In a world that often values quick fixes and superficial interactions, may we be known as people who truly empathize, who mourn with those who mourn, and who offer the healing balm of Christ's love through our rich soul empathizing.

Listen, empathy requires courage. It's not always easy to step into the emotional and spiritual shoes of our hurting friends. It might mean we face the harsh realities of their pain, uncertainties, and unanswered questions. Yet, as followers of Christ, we are called to journey together in the valleys of life.

In the Old Testament, we find a story of two friends, David and Jonathan, whose bond was rooted in deep empathy. David, hunted by King Saul, found refuge in the wilderness. In that desolate place, Jonathan sought him out. Their encounter was more than a reunion; it was a moment of rich soul empathizing.

Jonathan didn't just offer David kind words from a distance. He entered into David's world of danger and uncertainty. He shared in the burden of David's exile, demonstrating the kind of courage and empathy we are called to in our spiritual friendships.

Imagine a friend who is battling a severe illness, facing the wilderness of pain and uncertainty. You don't merely send them a get-well card; you visit them in the hospital, sit with them through treatments, and accompany them in the wilderness of their suffering. Your courage to walk the valley together is a testament to the depth of your empathy.

We need to remember that empathy is not just a feeling but a call to action. It's a choice to enter into the world of another, to embrace their joys and sorrows, and to walk with them in the valleys and on the mountaintops.

Accurate & Active Listening

In the intricate tapestry of sustaining spiritual friendships, we stand at a juncture that is often underestimated – "Accurate & Active Listening or Faith-Drenched Alertness." These words of wisdom find their roots in the timeless guidance of James 1:19, where the Apostle urges us,

James 1:19 ESV

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;

Listening is not merely a passive act but an active expression of love. It's not about waiting for our turn to speak; it's about truly hearing the hearts of our friends. Active listening involves giving our undivided attention, asking insightful questions, and seeking to grasp not just the words spoken but the emotions and thoughts beneath them.

In the Gospels, we encounter a remarkable example of active and faith-drenched listening in the person of Jesus Christ. As He walked along the dusty roads of Palestine, teaching, healing, and proclaiming the Kingdom, people gathered around Him, bringing their joys, their sorrows, their questions, and their doubts. And Jesus, the embodiment of perfect love, listened. He listened not just with His ears but with a heart wide open to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

One poignant instance from His ministry is the story of Bartimaeus, the blind beggar who sat by the roadside, crying out for mercy. The crowd surrounding Jesus rebuked him, urging him to be silent. But Jesus, with faith-drenched alertness, stopped and called for Bartimaeus to come to Him. He engaged in active listening to the cry of a blind man, and in doing so, He opened the door to a transformative encounter of healing and faith.

Imagine a friend who is pouring out their struggles, fears, and doubts. Instead of rushing to provide solutions or answers, you sit with them, fully engaged, and say, "I'm here to listen. Tell me more." Your active listening communicates that their words matter, that they are valued, and that their journey is shared.

Accurate and active listening goes beyond our human capabilities; it necessitates a heart open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It's about listening not just to spoken words but also to the still, small voice of God that often speaks through the nuances, the pauses, and the unspoken needs of our friends.

In the Book of Acts, we encounter the compelling narrative of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch. Guided by the Spirit, Philip approached the eunuch's chariot as he was reading from the scroll of Isaiah. Philip's question, "Do you understand what you are reading?" was simple yet profound. It was a manifestation of faith-drenched alertness, a question born of the Spirit that opened the gateway to a transformative conversation, leading the eunuch to faith in Christ.

Now imagine walking with a friend in a serene park on a breezy day. Amidst the rustling leaves and the melodious chirping of birds, your friend shares a deep concern. As you listen intently, you feel a gentle breeze on your face, a reminder of the Holy Spirit's presence. In that moment, you realize that your listening is not just about being a friend but about being a vessel through which the Spirit can work.

We should always remember that listening is not a passive act but an act of love and a profound way to sustain our spiritual friendships. Engaging in active and faith-drenched listening is a testament to our commitment to walk alongside our friends in their journey of faith and life.

May we be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry, as James admonishes us.

Caring Spiritual Conversations

In our exploration of sustaining spiritual friendships, we now delve into the realm of profound and meaningful conversations – "Caring Spiritual Conversations: Sustaining Theological Trialogues." These words find their wisdom in Proverbs 27:9, which tells us,

Proverbs 27:9 ESV

Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.

Let us first establish what we mean by "trialogues." It's a term that encapsulates conversations between two spiritual friends and the ever-present Holy Spirit. In these sacred exchanges, there are essentially three participants – the two friends and the Holy Spirit.

We find a biblical precedent for this concept in the Gospel of John. In the upper room, on the night before His crucifixion, Jesus gathered with His disciples. There, He promised them the coming of the Holy Spirit, the Helper, the Comforter. He assured them that the Spirit would teach and guide them in all truth. In this divine conversation, we witness a profound trialogue – the disciples, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.

Now, imagine two friends engaged in a deep conversation, wrestling with questions of faith and life's complexities. In the midst of their dialogue, they consciously invite the Holy Spirit to be present, to guide their words, and to shed light on their thoughts. This holy triangle of conversations is a place where insights are revealed, faith is deepened, and bonds are strengthened.

Sustaining theological trialogues are the heartbeat of nurturing spiritual friendships. These conversations go beyond surface-level discussions; they delve into matters of faith, theology, and the intricacies of life. They are an opportunity to journey together toward a deeper understanding of God's Word and His plan for our lives.

In the Book of Acts, we encounter a remarkable example of sustaining theological trialogues. Apollos, a learned man, spoke boldly about Jesus but had an incomplete understanding of the Gospel. Priscilla and Aquila, a couple devoted to Christ, took him aside and explained "the way of God more adequately." In this exchange, we witness a trialogue where the wisdom of Priscilla and Aquila, Apollos' knowledge, and the Holy Spirit's illumination merged to deepen Apollos' understanding.

Now, picture two friends who regularly meet to study the Bible and discuss matters of faith. In these conversations, they invite the Holy Spirit's guidance, seeking to understand Scripture more deeply and apply it to their lives. Their discussions become a refining process, like iron sharpening iron, as they grow together in faith and understanding.

Theological trialogues are not about winning debates or proving points; they are about nurturing hearts and souls. These conversations are marked by grace, faith, and care. They are a safe space where doubts can be voiced, questions explored, and growth nurtured.

In the Gospel of Luke, we encounter the story of the road to Emmaus. Two disciples, saddened and confused by Jesus' crucifixion, were joined by a stranger on their journey. As they walked, this stranger, who was Jesus Himself, engaged them in a theological trialogue, explaining the Scriptures and revealing Himself. Their hearts burned within them as they experienced a conversation guided by grace, faith, and care.

Imagine two friends, one struggling with doubts and the other with a heart full of faith. They sit across from each other with a cup of coffee in hand, engaging in a theological trialogue. The one with doubts is met with grace, not judgment, and the one with faith listens with care and compassion. In this atmosphere, doubts are addressed, faith is strengthened, and the presence of the Holy Spirit is palpable.

We should strive to remember that sustaining theological trialogues are a vital component of our spiritual friendships. These conversations, guided by the Holy Spirit, are an opportunity to deepen our faith, grow in understanding, and provide heartfelt advice to one another.

We need to seek to engage in conversations marked by grace, faith, and care, knowing that through our theological trialogues, we can support one another in our journey of faith.

Empathetic Scriptural Explorations

As we journey through the art of sustaining in our spiritual friendships, we now come to a profound aspect – "Empathetic Scriptural Explorations: Sustaining Biblical Trialogues." The foundation for this lies in the words of 2 Timothy 3:16-17, which remind us,

2 Timothy 3:16–17 ESV

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

Scripture serves as our timeless guide in navigating the complexities of life and faith. When we engage in sustaining our friends, we turn to the Word of God as a source of wisdom, comfort, and direction. It's within these sacred pages that we find the principles and truths that can shed light on our journey of sustaining.

One of the most compelling biblical examples of turning to Scripture for guidance is found in the story of the Berean believers in Acts 17. When Paul and Silas preached the Gospel in Berea, the Bereans were described as "noble" because they examined the Scriptures daily to verify the teachings they heard. Their commitment to the Word of God is a model for us as we explore the art of sustaining biblical trialogues.

Picture two friends sailing on a vast, unpredictable sea. In the midst of life's storms and uncertainties, they hold a compass. This compass is the Word of God, and they consult it together, seeking its guidance as they navigate the challenges of life. The Bible becomes their unwavering source of direction.

Scripture is not a static text but a living, breathing revelation of God. The Holy Spirit plays a vital role in our understanding of the Word. As we engage in biblical exploration with our friends, we must recognize the Holy Spirit's presence as our Teacher and our Guide.

In the Gospel of John, Jesus promised the Holy Spirit as the One who would lead us into all truth. He said, "But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth" (John 16:13). This promise ensures that when we open the Scriptures in our conversations, the Holy Spirit is present, illuminating the text and its application to our lives.

Imagine two friends sitting in a dimly lit room, poring over a Bible. The lamp on the table represents the Holy Spirit, illuminating the pages before them. As they read, discuss, and explore Scripture together, the light grows brighter, revealing the profound truths contained within, and providing guidance for their journey.

We should always remember the profound role that Scripture plays in sustaining our spiritual friendships. It serves as a steadfast guide, a source of wisdom, and a wellspring of comfort. As we engage in empathetic scriptural explorations, we do so with the understanding that the Holy Spirit is our companion, illuminating the Word and its relevance to our lives.

So What?

Eventually we must come to that point in our sermon where we ask the question, "So what? What difference does all of this make in our lives?" The answer to this question is profound, and it can shape the days, weeks, and years ahead in remarkable ways.

First, the art of sustaining in spiritual friendships deepens our relationships in ways we might not have imagined. It means being present for one another in times of joy and sorrow, supporting and embracing each other through life's challenges. By engaging in sustaining conversations, we cultivate bonds that will stand the test of time.

Sustaining spiritual friendships is also a path to spiritual growth. When we turn to Scripture together, inviting the Holy Spirit into our conversations, we embark on a journey of deepening our understanding of God's Word. This growth in faith not only transforms us individually but also enriches our community.

The "So what?" of sustaining spiritual friendships lies in becoming a beacon of Christ's love in a world that often hungers for genuine understanding and compassion. When we actively listen, empathize, and engage in meaningful conversations with grace, faith, and care, we shine Christ's light into the lives of our friends and those around us.

Remember the words of 2 Timothy 3:16-17, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." The difference this makes is that we are equipped to serve others effectively, knowing that the Word of God guides our actions and words.

Finally, sustaining spiritual friendships set us apart as a unique community. Our commitment to one another, our empathetic conversations, and our reliance on Scripture as our guide become a powerful testimony to the world. Our unity and love in Christ become a compelling witness to the transformative power of faith.

So, what difference does all of this make? It transforms us into a community of believers who not only love one another but also love the world around us. It empowers us to navigate the ups and downs of life with grace and faith, knowing that we are never alone. It equips us to be the hands and feet of Christ in a broken world, offering hope, compassion, and understanding.

In the grand tapestry of our faith journey, one truth shines brightly – that sustaining one another in spiritual friendships is a calling as profound as it is transformative. As we stand here today, exploring the art of sustaining, we are reminded of a crucial reality – we cannot do this alone.

The journey of sustaining in our spiritual friendships is not a solitary endeavor; it's a symphony of hearts and souls, guided by the divine Conductor – the Holy Spirit. It's an acknowledgment that in our own strength, we may falter, but in His strength, we find the unwavering support we need.

As we reach the conclusion of today's message, we declare with unwavering conviction that we are not alone in this journey of sustaining. The Holy Spirit, the Comforter, the Guide, is ever-present, ready to lead us, empower us, and equip us for this sacred task.

In our pursuit of sustaining spiritual friendships, let us turn to Him, seeking His guidance in our conversations, His wisdom in our actions, and His love in our hearts. Let us invite Him to be the unseen Guest in every trialogue, the unspoken Word in every conversation, and the strength that sustains us through every challenge.

In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, we commission ourselves as sustainers. We commit to being friends who actively listen, who empathize and embrace, who explore God's Word, and who, above all, rely on the Holy Spirit to empower us.

And now, as we stand on the threshold of a new week, let our hearts resound with the prayer of the psalmist, "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me" (Psalm 51:10). For it is in purity of heart and steadfastness of spirit that we find the grace to sustain one another in love.

In the power of the Holy Spirit, we are equipped, we are ready, and we are called to be the hands and feet of Christ in the lives of our friends and in a world that longs for His love.

And so, with hearts full of hope, faith, and love, we say together, "Amen."

Amen

Let us pray.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

As we conclude our time together today, we bow before Your throne, grateful for the truth and wisdom You have shared with us. We acknowledge Your presence among us, and we thank You for the privilege of exploring the art of sustaining in our spiritual friendships.

We are humbled by the calling to be sustainers, to actively listen, to empathize and embrace, to explore Your Word, and to rely on the guiding presence of the Holy Spirit. Lord, we recognize that we cannot fulfill this calling in our own strength, but only through Your grace and empowerment.

So, we yield ourselves to Your Spirit, the Comforter, the Guide, and the Empowerer. We invite Him to fill us anew, to equip us for this sacred task, and to lead us in sustaining one another with love and compassion.

May our conversations be seasoned with Your grace, may our empathy reflect Your heart, and may our exploration of Your Word deepen our faith and understanding.

As we leave this place today, may the lessons we've learned take root in our hearts. May we be diligent in sustaining one another, in deepening our relationships, in growing in faith, and in shining Your light into the world.

We pray for the strength to be the hands and feet of Christ, for the courage to speak Your truth in love, and for the compassion to walk alongside our friends in times of joy and sorrow.

In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, we commit ourselves to this calling, knowing that in You, all things are possible.

And now, Lord, we ask for Your blessings to be upon us as we go forth from this place. May Your grace go with us, Your love surround us, and Your Spirit empower us in all that we do.

In Jesus' name, we pray.

Amen.