tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125367606156990763.post8029855772934771771..comments2024-02-03T04:27:24.489-08:00Comments on Writing for Christ ~ The Audience of One: I Don't Want To Be Your FriendCaseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00920406327885410557noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125367606156990763.post-25064008903132873282014-07-27T11:24:50.972-07:002014-07-27T11:24:50.972-07:00My experience has actually been quite different.
...My experience has actually been quite different. <br /><br />Of course I recognize that we need to be mindful of boundaries between men and women, but I also think that we lose something if we cover the whole issue with the blanket answer that men and women can't be friends. I've frequently been blessed to be able to reap the benefits of having a tight knit spiritual family, where brothers and sisters are able to help one another and build each other up in spirit.<br /><br />One of my friends, who recently moved to another city on a church plant, spoke to me about feeling the absence of spiritual brothers in her day to day life and how, even in a group of Godly women, there is something unique that godly guys bring to the table whether is be encouragement or acts of service (or stepping in when some other guy starts getting flirty).<br /><br />Yes there is risk, but there is also fruit when these friendships are done in a right, Godly way (and grace when they are not).Andrew Swearingenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13745078454038120354noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125367606156990763.post-18661287080159499162014-07-23T16:39:17.991-07:002014-07-23T16:39:17.991-07:00I'm 21, and was home-schooled for elementary/m...I'm 21, and was home-schooled for elementary/middle school. I agree that hooking up and uncommitted relationships are wrong. But I think friendships between male and female can exist just like it can between brother and sister.<br />Sadly, I haven't been blessed with having close girl friends...unless you count uncomfortably close relationships where the other person teases you for being different or for not wanting to talk about boys or tv or superficial/uncomfortably emotional topics. All the female friends I have now are distant, and the only common ground is writing.<br /><br />Thank you for sharing your ideas and perspective...although I can't relate to much of what you said I agree with your conclusion about clarity in relationships.Ahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06581130102617777122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125367606156990763.post-83006061847844908192014-07-23T11:48:54.034-07:002014-07-23T11:48:54.034-07:00Hi! Just stopping by to say these are some great t...Hi! Just stopping by to say these are some great thoughts. I very much agree that the dating system and girl/boy relationships these days have problems.<br />So very cool. I love how you say, "because he's not mine". So true! He could likely some other girl's future husband.<br />These issues need to be addressed! Thanks for the post!! :)Shantelle Maryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01671416965777525382noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125367606156990763.post-54336148731536086602014-07-19T00:11:34.741-07:002014-07-19T00:11:34.741-07:00Amen! Make that stand for Christ.Very rare sisterAmen! Make that stand for Christ.Very rare sisterDaniel Dicksonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10581290688210158909noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125367606156990763.post-19668235457603870362014-07-18T14:23:40.673-07:002014-07-18T14:23:40.673-07:00I agree. It's a risky undertaking for men and ...I agree. It's a risky undertaking for men and women to be friends, especially after the age of 17-18. Coming at it from 13 + years of marriage and 5 years of dating prior, there is a careful, conscious line that must be drawn within marriage against the opposite gender. I had male friends when I was in high school, but now, happily married, I would never dream of - or want to - be that close to another male. When I was a child, yes, boy friends were fine. Even preferred, honestly. But after about 16-17, there are obvious changes in our nature that require boundaries. (And one day, I may write a book about my own mistakes and experiences dating and seeking the spouse I wanted, but more importantly, the spouse God wanted for me.) <br />Now if a girl and guy start out as platonic friends, and both are single and share faith, values, and common goals, then of course that friendship may turn into more (hopefully wanted by both sides, and as you said, with honesty and consideration). That's ideal! <br />A Christ-centered marriage is the best life preserver in the turbulent sea of life. I pray that for you! candidkerryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14979758869677504246noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125367606156990763.post-31711512391902541682014-07-18T11:05:59.338-07:002014-07-18T11:05:59.338-07:00Agreed on all counts even from my {limited} experi...Agreed on all counts even from my {limited} experience in being friends with guys and thus far, *no* current or past relationship to speak of. ;)<br />It boils down to intent; a strong, serious and Godly intent in a relationship is something I pray for specifically for my future husband.<br />Nowadays it's so normal to see guys and girls incredibly chummy and close, but one of them ends up "liking" the other in a widely different way than the other person, and I've seen this four times over in a close friend and it's rough. <br />In the end, I think guys and girls can be "just friends" but in groups, casually, and still care and have a innocent, fun time with each other.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com