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"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." —1 Thessalonians 5:11

Sisters we were saved individually through the finished work of the cross, adopted into a community; grafted onto the tree as daughters of the one true living God, a family; the bride (Ephesians 5:25) and body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27). This communal Gospel aspect is structured to facilitate solid deep friendships with other believing women. The Lord designed this familial structure in order for us to meet one another where we are; to share, strengthen, encourage, and affirm one another, and to love each other in the chaotic storm of everyday life—a framework in which to tell your stories, share your life, open your heart in a living testimony of God's transforming grace to build up and comfort your sisters in Christ.

For many of you an intimate group already exists—where true friendship allows hard questions and accountability—be bold, step outside of your circle, be deliberate; engaging—reach across the aisle, sit somewhere new, and draw in someone you may only know in passing or not at all.

Weave together a tightly knit tapestry from the fibers of inclusiveness; a true extended, diverse, intergenerational family of women whose heart cries you can see, hear, and feel, whose brokeness resonates, who you stand in the gap and pray for—pray with, built on the foundation of Jesus (Ephesians 2:20). Lift up and revive each other with shared stories of Christ’s amazing grace!

Father create in us a desire to be intentional with women who we may not know well, who are different then ourselves. Plant in us the desire to branch out; to be bold. Search our hearts—reveal our weaknesses that hinder vulnerability. Quell our fears associated with exposure. Revive our hearts—help us view others through your gospel lens with hearts wide open. Father allow the joy we find in you to bubble up and overflow as hope to others as we comfort and strengthen our sisters. We praise you Lord for your continued faithfulness—your transforming grace—for merciful salvation. In Jesus' holy name Amen!

The following artcile explores ways we can comfort and strengthen each other:

Strengthen Your Sisters by Christina Fox

The four of us met every week for several years. It was a time to share, encourage, pray, and grow together in Christ. Those girls were the ones to whom I revealed the wounds, scars, and sins in my heart. Along the way, we discovered that we needed each other in the journey of faith. We learned that in sharing our stories of God’s redemptive work in our lives with one another that we were encouraged in our own trials. We experienced what Paul says in 1 Corinthians 1:3-4...

The remainder of this article can be read here: Strengthen Your Sisters | The Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood

Additional resources:

10 Ways to Meet Women Where They Are | Connect to Women's Ministry

Encouraging Fellow Strugglers | Mentoring Moments for Christian Women

I want a friend like that! | True Woman