4 Keys to Invaluable Relationships
Strength through Community with Jordan Feliz
No matter the population of our world, we can each feel isolated and alone at times. Jordan Feliz shares a powerful reminder of the essential role community plays in our faith journey during a conversation with Family Life Radio.
Jordan said, “Community is the biggest thing for me.” He describes how a circle of close friends, who are more like family, have become his stronghold, offering support and accountability that enrich his life and faith.
Community illuminates a path for us filled with mutual support, accountability, and unwavering love that can not only ground us in our faith but also propels us forward. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up” (NIV).
We are designed for fellowship, not isolation.
But what makes a community so vital to our spiritual journey? For Jordan, it’s the mutual support, the accountability, and the unwavering presence of friends who champion us through every season of life. “I have found a community of friends that are like my best friends in the world,” he shares, highlighting the joy of being surrounded by those who constantly strive for each other’s growth and well-being.
The Secret Weapon
Jordan affectionately refers to his wife as his “secret weapon,” highlighting the irreplaceable role she plays in his life. “My wife is like my secret weapon … she is the number one under the Lord in my life,” he said. “And she is such a champion for me. I mean, she’s thorough. She’s back home navigating with two dogs and two kids, holding down the fort. But also, she’s the secret sauce to keeping me on the track.”
In marriage, prioritize time together that’s devoted to spiritual growth. Pray together, study Scripture, and engage in honest conversations about your faith journey. Let your relationship be a safe haven for spiritual exploration and encouragement.
Foster Meaningful Connections
How can we cultivate such invaluable relationships in our own lives? Jordan’s journey offers actionable insights:
- Seek Community with Intention: Actively look for groups within your church or faith community that resonate with your spiritual journey. Be open to forming connections with those who share your commitment to growth and accountability.
- Be Vulnerable: Authentic relationships are built on vulnerability. Share your struggles, doubts, and victories. It’s in these moments of openness that true bonds are formed.
- Choose Quality Over Quantity: Prioritize deep, meaningful relationships over superficial ones. Seek friends who challenge you, pray for you, and celebrate with you.
- Nurture Your Marriage: For those who are married, view your spouse as your partner in faith. Engage in regular spiritual practices together, such as prayer, study, and worship. Let your relationship be a reflection of God’s love and grace.
Challenges Together
The journey of faith is not a solitary endeavor. Jordan’s insights shed light on the crucial role of companionship in facing life’s challenges. “When you’re not in the right headspace, your friends know,” he observes, pointing out how a true community can sense when we struggle and step in to offer support.
Cultivating such deep, meaningful relationships requires intentionality and effort. It begins with being present — truly present — in the lives of those around us. Engage in your local church, join small groups, and participate in activities that foster spiritual growth and community. Be vulnerable, allowing others to see your struggles and triumphs, and be willing to do the same for them.
Galatians 6:2 encourages, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
By sharing our struggles and allowing others to bear them with us, we live out the love and service Christ exemplified.
These relationships are not just accessories to our faith; they are essential components, designed by God to help us grow, persevere, and thrive. Let us then be intentional in building and nurturing these divine connections. For in them, we find the strength to weather life’s storms, the wisdom to navigate its challenges, and the joy of journeying together in the light of His love.
A Prayer for Community
Lord, thank You for the gift of community and the blessing of supportive relationships. Guide me to value and nurture these bonds with Your love, and to be a pillar of strength and encouragement. In moments of isolation or challenge, remind me of the support system You’ve provided. Grant me the courage to share openly with them.
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