1. Spiritual friendship

2. Spiritual Friendships
Ultimate Goal: to enjoy friendship with God in Heaven
Friendships become celebrations of the reality of Christ

3. *Not bad in and of themselves
3 Types of Friendship
1) Pleasant
About “having a good time” together
Value other based on pleasure for self
Examples: sports, hobbies, movies, interests, etc
2) Useful
Each receives some benefit from presence/actions of other
Examples: studying, popularity, $, car
*Not bad in and of themselves

4. 3) True/Virtuous/Spiritual Friendship
Desire good of the other for the sake of the other
See person for who he/she truly is; desire their ultimate happiness
Can only begin when virtue/goodness is already present
Virtue and goodness are the main things willed, desired, and sought in the relationship
Demands a willingness to sacrifice and give of self (LOVE)

5. True/Virtuous/Spiritual Friendship
We naturally long for this because it prepares us for friendship with God in heaven
“Christ-centered, intentional relationship between at least two people where these individuals focus on the nurture of each other’s spiritual life.”