Touching, Heart, Soul and Body
Acts 4:23-36 Love is the soil of spiritual vitality and revival. In Acts we see a direct correlation between unity and power, between generosity and grace. The love of the community empowered their witness to the gospel and fulfilled Jesus' prayer in John 17, in which He earnestly desired that unity would characterize His followers. Love and unity among believers is our most effective witness to the world (John 13:35).

Love includes admitting that we have needs, not pretending to be completely self-sufficient. Love is also practical in its concern for others. Barnabas was moved to donate land because he saw the needs of his fellow believers. If we are to develop deep, meaningful spiritual friendships, we will have to admit our need for live and learn how to receive it. Most of us are far more comfortable keeping our needs to ourselves and giving to supply the needs of others. But even Paul testifies to the power of admitting needs and receiving help from others (see Galatians 4:13-14 and Philippians 4:10-19).

Putting It into Practice
Are there particular areas of personal need that you have yet to share in your spiritual friendship? What keeps you from sharing? If a close friend shared a deep need with you, how does this help you as you consider disclosing your need to others?

For more on spiritual friendship, read Ephesians 5.