Recently, our church held a workshop called “Like Christ.” The keynote speaker was the Rev. Dr. John Vissers. One of the things he spoke about was the idea of spiritual friendship and how, at certain times, we can be the voice of Christ to one another.
When two believers build each other up, are honest, listen to one another, support one another, and honour Jesus, there are times when we can share his own wisdom and friendship with the other person.
In his book, he tells a story about a time he visited a community outside of Mzuzu (near Malawi). The person he visited was Jaclyn. Her body was wracked with AIDS.
With Jaclyn was her friend Maria. Maria had HIV but was a volunteer at the local hospital. Almost every day, Maria travelled several miles on a rough road to get to Jaclyn’s house. There she would find her friend who was often worried about her children, family and death. Maria ensured Jaclyn ate and took her medication.
“The day I entered Jaclyn’s house,” Dr. Vissers writes, “I sensed it was a holy place. Jaclyn and Maria were not alone; a third—Christ—was in their midst before I arrived. Jaclyn spoke about her friend Maria, about Maria’s faithfulness in visiting, the way Maria talked and prayed with her, and the way she felt Jesus was there with them. Jaclyn died two weeks after my visit. Maria was a faithful friend to the end. Through Maria, Jaclyn experienced the love and friendship of Christ.”*
Never underestimate the value of your relationships. Sure, some days are better than others. But there are times and places that can be holy… around a dinner table, during a conversation on a walk, while on a visit, or just listening.
In fact, they can be times and places when you realize that another is present—Christ.
As Paul says in Colossians 3:16: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…” And in everyday moments, including holy ones, let’s share that word with one another.
Notes:
-*John A. Vissers, Friendship With Christ: A Biblical, Historical, and Theological Account (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2026), xix
-Bible quotes, ESV.
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