Whole 07: Understanding the Seasons of Friendship & Help for When Friends Hurt You
We know that meaningful friendships require time and investment… so what do we do as moms when we have so little of these things to spare?! Or what if we have a great mom-to-mom friendship, but our kids struggle to get along or our lives are starting to look totally different from one another? In this episode, Emily and Laura go DEEP on the joy and hardship of maintaining solid friendships throughout various seasons of motherhood. From how to handle it when a friendship falters to what to consider as you’re pursuing God-glorifying relationships, this show is a can’t-miss if you’ve ever found yourself scratching your head at how to love others well despite your limited capacity. God designed us for flourishing, sanctifying friendships, so let’s be willing to think about this area of our lives intentionally and honor him as we do.
Mentioned on the Show:
Proverbs 17:17
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Proverbs 27:17
John 15:1-8
John 15:12-15
1 Thessalonians 5:11
Related Resources from R|M:
Articles
New to the Neighborhood: Gospel Hope When You’re Longing for Friendship by Ashley Anthony
When You’re the Only One Who Calls: Taking Initiative in Friendships by Shannon Evans
How to Be a Friend at All Times (Even When You Don’t Have Time) by Winfree Brisley
The Gift of Loneliness: 3 Ways God Uses Our Desert Seasons by Sara Kyoungah White
Podcast Episodes
R|M Apply Questions:
When it comes to maintaining friendships, what kind of pressure and expectations do you put on yourself? Consider a few ways you can love your friends, even if it doesn't match your ‘ideal’ scenario.
Read 1 Thessalonians 5:11. Think about your closest friends; what does it look like to love them as individuals, with different motivations and concerns? What are some ways you can build them up in small but impactful ways?
In the show, Emily and Laura remind us that we can’t expect one friend to fulfill all of our needs and expectations. Is there anything you need to repent of in terms of unreasonable expectations you’ve placed on friendships? Trust God that as you bring these real hurts and fears to him in prayer, he will bind up your wounds (Ps. 147:3) and care for you in this.
Read Proverbs 27:17. Who are those friends in your life that draw you closer to Christ? Identify 1-2 friendships like these that you want to intentionally invest in and make time for, even in the busyness of mom life, knowing they’ll spur you on as a woman of God.
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