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Friendship begins with an open heart and an open door. First, we must open the door to welcome a friend. Next, we need to step through the doorway and open our hearts to build friendships.

Women’s Connection Groups create the perfect environment to invite others into your life and then to grow and multiply friendships. Solid friendships are built on so many of the delightful virtues that Stonecroft women possess.

John 15:13 (NIV) states, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Do you want to see more women experience the friendship you have found in Jesus? Let’s examine our actions and encourage fellow Women’s Connection friends to accept the Open Door Challenge alongside us.

OPEN DOOR CHALLENGE:

Kindness – “Kind words are like honey – sweet to the soul and healthy for the body” (Proverbs 16:24).

Action Item: Purposely engage in a conversation with a stranger and do your best to demonstrate kindness. Compliment him or her and share a smile and an invitation.

Encouragement – “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:11, NIV).

Action Item: Is there a neighbor, co-worker, or stranger who needs encouragement and prayer? Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you to someone who needs your gift of encouragement.

Forgiveness – “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you are sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians
4:29-32, NIV).

Action Item: No doubt at some point during a friendship, we need to extend forgiveness. Does something keep coming to mind that you need to forgive? Have you spoken words that need to be forgiven? Take advantage of the opportunity to make it right.

Joy – “I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!” (John 15:11).

Action Item: Friendship is a gift to share. Open the door, invite someone in, and share the joy of Jesus!

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