Real-ationships

“Love must be sincere.” (Romans 12:9 NIV)

I got a call from an old friend this morning. We talk a few times a year. Our conversations usually follow a pattern--news about our families, work, hobbies, trips, etc. The phone calls allow us to ‘catch up’ with each other, nothing more. It’s not much different than the conversation that I have with my hairstylist.

A wise friend recently said the following: True fellowship involves being real. It enables us to process and grow together.

Real-ationships require vulnerability, honesty, and awareness. We must have compassion for ourselves and others. There is no place for one-upmanship or self-centeredness. We climb up the mountain of adversity, emotions, and confusion, making sense of it together, sharing experiences, helping each other to understand and accept each other. Sincerity is essential.  Mutual growth is the fundamental objective.