Looking above episode 21 - Special Guest - Brooklyn Alm

Friendship has tremendous worth and purpose in our lives, but it is not meant to define us or be the source of our worth.  Brooklyn and Karen discuss the trap of comparison in friendship and how we need to be more aware of the unrealistic expectations we put on friends when we expect them to define us. Friendship with others begins from a place of intimacy with God.

Questions for large group discussion: 

1. Brooklyn suggested you develop a friendship with God first? Have you done this? If so, how does it relieve pressure from human friendship? If not, can you see why this should be the first step?
2. Read John 13:34-35. How is friendship obedience to God?  Have you been obedient to God's will for how we do relationship?
3. How does viewing friendship as a gift rather than something expected open us to gratitude?
4. Why is it dangerous to look to friends for worth? Have you done this? What was the result?
5. Are you tempted to compare (to your friends? to your friends other friends? to other people's friendships?)?
6. Does insecurity lead to comparison or vice versa?
7. Satan is the father of lies and uses lies to destroy our relationships.  What lies have you been tempted to believe about friends/friendships?
8. What has comparison stolen from you?
9. What are you gifted at in friendship? (Are you wise, encouraging, steady, loyal...?)
10. Read Matthew 20:24-28 How can you be a servant in friendship?

The Takeaway: Friendships are healthiest when our worth is found in Christ.

To-Do This Week: Be intentional in your friendship with Christ this week. If you find yourself comparing or struggling with placing worth in friends, take those thoughts captive and ask God to replace the lies with truth.