Page 4 - PC Fall 2023

4 FALL 2023
Friends seek to
know one another
PRESBYTERIAN
Continued from page 3
Friendships are marked by in- creasing awareness. Friends seek to know one another more and more as the friendship unfolds. Getting to know one another in- volves becoming more aware of positive as well as negative as- pects of the other person. It also involves increasing awareness of one’s own self, both positive and negative. There may be unpleas- ant aspects to the friendship that need to be recognized; but friends can become aware of the life-giv- ing power of friendship that can sustain us each through the vast ambiguities of life.
Friendships are also marked by increasing relatedness. Friends develop a shared history and a trust that lead to an increased investment in one another and a loyalty to one another. Friends are increasingly more willing to forgive one another, defend one another and support one another. One’s concern goes increas-
ingly beyond one’s own self and one’s own good and is expanded through friendship. To main- tain and particularly to deepen a friendship, courage is required; an investment of one’s whole per- son is required, which involves vulnerability, trust and risk-taking.
Such is also the case with the process of becoming holy. It, too, as both gift and commandment, requires risk-taking and trust in Jesus Christ, who is the guaran- tor of our sanctification. It takes courage to live into God’s vision of the world and pursue holiness.
Becoming holy is ultimately about friendship with God. Sanc- tification is the process by which that friendship matures into a closeness that will sustain us and fortify us both right now and into eternity. It will also make the world a kinder, more just, holier place.
We are the saints of God—this is true, and we are called to prove it to be true.
Connection
presbyterian.ca
2024 Wall Calendar
Cost: $5.00 each
The PCC wall calendar for 2024 features photos of church doors, crossings, thresholds and other places we consider as in-between places—spaces filled with the promise and possibility of encountering Jesus.
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