June 21, 2023 • 29 mins
What does reading my Bible have to do with my friendships?
Quite a lot, actually. Turns out that what we consume has a great deal to do with what we pour out. On this episode, Kimber and Meghan dig into how being in Scripture on our own and with friends can deepen our relationships.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Kimber (00:09):
Hey friends.
Welcome to the, your sisterKimber podcast.
My name is Kimberly Gilbert, andI'm so glad you're here.
It might seem pretty obvious whywe should read our Bible more,
to grow in our relationship withthe Lord.
But how does getting intoscripture impact our
friendships?
Today, I'm talking with Meganfrable who is guest co-hosting
with me for the summer seriescalled being the Fred.
(00:30):
You need about how readingscripture impacts our ability to
be a good friend And how gettinginto scripture with our friends
can bless those relationships.
I hope this conversation getsthose ideas flowing to help you
grow authentic community in yourown life.
That Honors God and draws youcloser to Jesus.
I wish we could all get togetherover coffee and talk this out
(00:50):
today, but this is the next bestthing.
I'm so glad you're here, friend.
Let's get started.
Please welcome back our seriesguest cohost, Megan frable
today.
How's it.
Go vacant.
Meghan (01:07):
Good.
How are you, Kimber?
Kimber (01:08):
Yeah, I'm good.
Thanks again so much for doingthis with me.
It's been so fun so far, justhearing your perspective and
just your wisdom on thesetopics.
I, as I was listening back anddoing editing, um, I told you
there a day, but I was feelingso convicted.
I was like, oh my gosh, this isso good.
I'm like, You're preaching atme.
So thank you for
Meghan (01:27):
Oh, same.
Kimber (01:28):
with us.
Meghan (01:29):
Oh Yeah, I'm, I'm loving it.
It's been really great for metoo.
Kimber (01:32):
I love it.
Especially, because I feel likethese kinds of conversations are
like my sweet spot, because lovelike talking about faith stuff.
and I don't mind small talk, butif I could just like start
conversations with like, insteadof the, get to know you stuff
that we all go through.
If I could just be like, tell meabout how you met Jesus.
(01:53):
would love that.
It's so much more interesting tome.
I feel like, but.
Um, do you feel like you're thatway or are you more of a small
talk clever?
Meghan (01:59):
Uh, no.
I like, I like to go deep.
No, I like to go deep.
Yeah.
I think that, I mean, there's asometimes where it's a time and
place for the small talk and addthat.
in, but I definitely can be alittle bit aggressive with deep
questions.
Kimber (02:13):
I love that we were like, okay, we're going there.
Meghan (02:16):
Yeah.
Kimber (02:17):
That's my favorite.
I love that.
Well, we are a few episodes intoour summer series here at the
podcast.
It's called being the friend youneed.
And I really feel like there'stwo sides of this, um, that
we've been talking about here.
One is that we should be mindfulof the people that we're letting
speak into our lives, right?
(02:37):
Like the kind of friend that Ineed in my life is someone who's
going to pour into me, more ofJesus, right?
Because that's what they'repursuing more and more.
And we talked about this abunch, because I want to be
clear on it.
Like I'm going to have friendswho don't do that.
and that's okay.
But that doesn't mean that I'mgoing to like go to them when
I'm struggling or like foradvice or like in my hardest
(02:59):
moments.
but for the people that are likemy close circle, they should be
pursuing Jesus if that's whatI'm pursuing.
Right.
If that's what I want to bespoken back into me.
That's what I should bepursuing, but I think the flip
side of it is if we're sofocused on like, what are my
friends giving me?
What are they pouring into methen it's kind of a ignoring the
(03:19):
log in your own eye kind ofissue or situation.
Right?
Because if I'm only focusing onthat, then I'm going to miss the
opportunity of like, how can Ilead the way in growing in these
areas of my walk with Jesus.
And so, I feel like it's like,we kind of flip that script a
bit of, not so much.
Focusing on.
How are my friends meeting myneeds.
but how can I start just bybeing that friend that I really
(03:44):
know that I need in my own lifeas well.
How have you seen this, ideaplay out in your life of
flipping that script from mefocused and like, how are my
friends meeting my needs too?
How can I, start with myself andpour out through my friendships
and have that be when I'mfocusing on.
Meghan (04:00):
Yeah, that's such a good question.
Um, I think it starts, Yeah.
with leading the way and.
Not that you wanna give so thatyou can get something in return.
But in a way it's that steppingout and being vulnerable I think
and saying, this is kind ofsomething I want, but I also
need to be the one that'spursuing that and going after
that.
Cuz I feel like a lot of thetimes if we wanna sit back and
(04:23):
be the wallflower, like timesoutta 10 people aren't gonna be
wanting to come.
To us, that doesn't alwayshappen.
And so it really does start withus taking the initiative and
then that can be so hard cuz notfor everyone.
That's not Like.
their thing.
They would rather be the come tome people.
Kimber (04:38):
Totally.
I think we all would, right.
Meghan (04:41):
Yeah.
Oh yeah.
I mean, yeah, it's not reality.
Like the fact is it's probablynot gonna happen.
And so you taking that bravestep, if that's something that's
not easy for you.
To do, make the ask to be thepursuer.
You are gonna start to get thatback in return.
Maybe not right away, but youwill more than just waiting for
(05:02):
people to come to you.
Kimber (05:03):
Yeah, I love the brave step is for sure.
I think true for, for so many ofus.
And, even if it's like maybecomes a little bit easier, I
still think it takes sometimesjust like the act of practicing
that muscle almost of, leadingthe way in that.
But I love one thing that I loveabout this series is that, it's
(05:23):
even like just practicing themuscle of what were.
Working on to grow in ourrelationship with Jesus and just
like, okay, how can I bring thisinto the realm, my friendships.
Um, and so far we've talkedabout prayer, and both the
personal side and theintercession side and, just how
we can like make.
I think so often spiritualpractices get relegated to like,
(05:47):
you know, your one-on-onerelationship with the Lord,
which is of course a big part ofit.
but how can we bring this intothe area of our friendships?
And, so I think it's like,again, that muscle being
practiced is like, okay, I'm,I'm working on this in
relationship with the Lord now,how can it spill into other
areas of my life?
And so I feel like part of ittoo, that can help with that.
(06:08):
branching out or like beingbrave in those moments is like,
if it's growing in my personallife with the Lord, then I feel
like that can sometimes, it canbe like an overflow even into
the rest of our life, ratherthan it just being like, okay,
I've got to like muscle up anddo this, but when it's just an
overflow, I think that can, Idon't know, give us some, like,
Behind our efforts as well.
(06:29):
And that's kind of what we'vebeen focusing on in this series
is, is how we can shift thatfocus from, okay, I'm going to
do this so that I can be a goodfriend, but just how does what
I'm already growing with theLord?
How does that.
Flow out into my relationships
Meghan (06:44):
Yes.
Yeah,
Kimber (06:44):
And so today we're talking about this idea of like
digging into scripture, readingscripture, um, with our friends,
how just like this.
Part of spiritual formation,which like we talked about all
the time, read your Bible,right.
But how does this, impact ourfriendships?
Because I really think it doesin my experience.
So I'm interested to hear yourperspective on this too.
(07:06):
Um, let's start with just likethe vertical side.
Like how have you seen regularlyreading the Bible, deepen your
relationship with God?
Because I feel like thatrelationship is our model for
then the horizontalrelationships all around us.
So.
It seems like a given read yourBible, but you know, I think
it's important to talk about howdo we see this bearing fruit?
(07:27):
So how have you seen that?
Meghan (07:29):
Well, I think too, like for most of us, cuz not all of
us have gotten to hear theaudible speaking voice of God,
but like this is the way that weget to talk to God and he gets
to talk to us and this is such ahuge part of that is, you know,
the word is living and activeand so getting into the word is
really a main flow ofcommunication that we get to
(07:50):
have with.
With our friend with with Jesus.
And so for me, that's been thebiggest.
impact it.
I know that when I'm in theword, I feel like I'm a better
wife, I'm a better mom, I'm abetter friend, I'm a better
believer.
And when I step out of that, Idefinitely start to feel kind of
the effects of not having thatvertical connection with God.
(08:12):
And so reading my Bible is suchan integral part of my
relationship cuz it really islike that kind of life source in
a way of.
that connection with God.
Kimber (08:23):
Yeah.
When we were having ourconversation about prayer, we
talked about just how, like Ithink that prayer in that regard
can sometimes feel hard for mebecause I don't have.
The literal, like person talking
Meghan (08:35):
Yes.
Kimber (08:37):
And so I love that you bring up that Like the backtalk
is scripture.
And so if we're the more we'rein that.
I feel like the more we have aclear idea of what the voice of
God sounds like.
And that's where I think youreally can start to in your
prayer life.
feel like it is a more back andforth conversation because
(08:57):
you're familiar with with God'scharacter and what his voice
sounds like, because you've readhis word.
Meghan (09:02):
You've read his word?
Yep.
Kimber (09:03):
And R immersed in it.
Like I heard someone say onetime.
This idea that I have alwaysloved, that they wanted to have.
They want to have a scripturesaturated imagination.
Where it's like everything thatyou think about from your
thoughts to like your prayerlife, to just the way that you,
um, I don't know, dream is likesaturated in scripture and I
(09:26):
loved that idea and I thinkabout that a
Meghan (09:28):
That was beautiful.
Kimber (09:29):
it takes, but it takes like a long time.
Like you can't get.
Uh, scripture saturatedimagination and like worldview
and perspectives.
You can't get that likeovernight or in like a 30 day
reading plan.
Like it's, it's a long game.
And so it's like, that's bothencouraging and that I don't
have to feel like I have it alltogether right away, but also it
(09:51):
can feel like, you know, oh, Ijust want to quick check off,
but that's not really the way itworks.
I don't think.
Meghan (09:56):
No, no, no.
That's awesome.
That's so beautiful.
I love that.
Kimber (10:00):
Yeah.
So if we're thinking of thenmore horizontal, cause I love
that you reminded us that Jesuscalls himself, our friend.
And so we can think of ourrelationship with him in many
ways as a friendship and such agood model for that.
So how do you think Being.
friends with someone who isreading our Bible and how does
(10:20):
reading our Bible impact ourfriendships like road, but going
both ways.
how do you feel like you haveseen the impact of reading
scripture enter into the realmof friendships?
Meghan (10:33):
Oh, I think I've had so many awesome opportunities to
just have like Bible studieswith my friends, to, have those
conversations and there is sucha like, a bond, I don't know,
bonding and like this intimacythat grows with your friends
when you are, pursuing Christtogether and really digging in
and also hearing other opinions,like we're not all gonna like,
read the same verse and maybehave the same, outlook on it.
(10:55):
And so getting those differentperspectives such this beautiful
way of like, I get to see Godspeak through my friend back to
me and vice versa.
And so there's this amazingcommunication that happens and
you know, or when I'm goingthrough something and my
friend's able to preachscripture back to me and say
like, just remember, you know,like it becomes this horizontal
(11:18):
and vertical connection kind of,I feel like all at the same
time, like I'm getting closer tomy friend, but I'm also like
leaning on Christ again.
And um, so Yeah.
it's greatly impacted me andthere's been seasons of my life
where I haven't had that and itreally does feel like I'm just
missing like this huge piece.
Not, I don't wanna say like ofmy relationship with Christ, but
(11:38):
really that community, like, itjust felt like there's a piece
of that puzzle that isn't quitethere yet.
And so it is such a keycomponent I feel like, to our,
pursuit of holiness, our walkwith Christ, our relationship
with him is having thatcommunity.
Kimber (11:51):
Yeah, I have heard this in regard to marriage, but I
feel like it counts forfriendship too.
And as you were saying that Ipictured, have you heard of
this?
Like the triangle.
Metaphor where it's like, God isat the top of the triangle and
we're on the two bottom cornerslike us.
And I've usually heard in thecontext of marriage, but S and a
spouse.
And as each of us like growscloser to God, we're also
(12:14):
growing closer to each other,across that, um,
Meghan (12:18):
That's so funny.
Yeah, Justin and I used toactually have that, like on our
fridge when we were
Kimber (12:22):
That's such a good
Meghan (12:23):
It said, God, me and you, and it was just that
reminder of as we're growing inour own individual lives, we're
actually growing closertogether.
So yeah, it's so true.
Kimber (12:34):
like it applies to friendship as well.
And I love the, you bring upspiritual intimacy because.
That was earliest.
That's what I would call it.
What you're talking about there.
This is something that Iactually an idea I hadn't really
thought about until somewhatrecently we were having a
conversation about it in ourlife group, in a marriage city.
And, It's just, it's true.
(12:55):
I think even if we've neverthought about the term, like
spiritual intimacy before.
But within a marriage or withinjust a friendship.
there is a certain level ofintimacy that comes when you can
freely talk about spiritualmatters.
And I have heard so many peoplesay, and I've experienced this
myself too, where it's like, andit's, I think it's like what you
(13:15):
could just kind of said of, youknow, when you are friends with
someone, who's not a believer.
Like you can go deep on a lot ofthings, but I've heard so many
people say the CD of like, itfeels like something is missing.
In my friendship.
And I think a big part of it iswhat's missing.
There is spiritual intimacy,like, you know, There's just
certain things that you don'teither you don't share or you
(13:37):
don't talk about, or if you do,you just like disagree on and
don't see eye to eye on.
And so I feel like that does.
Impact your friendships.
And when you can't like gothere, if you will.
then you're always going to bemissing something.
So have you experienced that infriendships before?
Meghan (13:55):
Yeah.
definitely.
And I always feel like there'salmost like I can't be my whole
self.
In a way, because there's thisreally big piece of me that,
either they're not believersand, you know, and that's just a
part that we don't, we don'tnecessarily agree with.
Like, I have friendships wherethey're not believers and we're
good friends, but there is likethat component of, of
conversations and just myoutlook on life, her outlook on
(14:18):
life.
It's just gonna be different.
So there is like, just kind ofthis little, I don't wanna say
chasm, like, but there is abarrier in a way of.
Of that.
And I know some people get kindof weirded out by the word
intimacy with friends, but itreally, it really is true.
Like there
Kimber (14:32):
I didn't even think of that.
I'm glad you said that.
Yeah.
Because I guess it is kind of aright.
It's usually in the realm oflike a sexual relationship
Meghan (14:39):
sex.
Yes,
Kimber (14:40):
Yeah.
Meghan (14:40):
exactly.
Exactly.
But it's true.
And, um, I think it was in amarriage.
context, like someone had talkedabout intimacy.
Really it means like into me c.
Kimber (14:49):
Oh,
Meghan (14:50):
And I love that.
cuz that's kind of what it is.
So you're getting to really getinto those Where my sin struggle
is where my heart is in a lot ofways when we start to have these
spiritual conversations, thegood fruit and the bad fruit,
and where we need to like pruneand where we're flourishing and
all of those things.
But it really is that likeintimacy and we get to do that.
(15:13):
There is this like spiritspiritual intimacy that happens.
Kimber (15:16):
I love that.
And I feel like scripturereading is such a big part of
that that enables these kinds ofconversations.
To happen where you can grow inspiritual intimacy in your
friendship.
Um, because if it's like theidea of what are you consuming,
right?
Like if I'm watching a TV showthat I love, I'm going to talk
about it because you know, I'minterested in it.
(15:38):
Or if I'm listening to a goodpodcast or I'm reading a good
book, like we talk about whatwe're consuming.
And so I feel like if we'reconsuming scripture, and
allowing it to form us becauseit isn't just like a
entertainment factor.
But if we're, you know, if weare consuming it and filling our
minds with it and our heartswith it, then that's going to
(15:58):
like come out more likely, inour conversations with our
friends, which is then going togive just more fodder, I think,
to have those kinds of likespiritual conversations that,
that won't come up otherwise.
And so I feel like it's almostlike.
Fuel for the fire of deepeningyour relationship.
when you're actually havingstuff to talk about in that
(16:20):
regard.
Meghan (16:20):
exactly.
Kimber (16:21):
the other thing that I love that you brought up with
that was just the, biblicalencouragement and advice.
Uh, like what are, what is yourfriend?
Feeding you back, right.
When you're processing withthem.
When you are like sharing, youknow, stuff that you're going
through or stuff that's hard inyour life.
What are they giving you back?
(16:42):
And that's like worth thinkingabout, especially when it's
someone that's really close toyou.
And, um, that you really aretrusting with them with your,
deepest stuff.
And I feel like if we know thatour friends are in scripture as
well, not from like a legalisticpoint of like, Did you read your
Bible day or not, but from apoint of like, I know that I can
(17:03):
trust her advice to me, or Iknow that she's going to
encourage me from a perspectiveof Jesus.
Then I feel like that justincreases the trust that I can
have in our conversations,because I know that like, she
might not be perfect in how sheresponds, but at least it's
coming from a point.
That is grounded in scripture.
Meghan (17:25):
Yeah.
Yeah.
And I think you're more, apt tolisten to their hard truth too,
you know?
So, you know, because I knowthat they're, that they love me
to be able to have that level offriendship and faith that's so
deep that they're willing totell me the hard stuff.
Is a really good.
you know, I have a friend, she,she lives in another state down
(17:45):
in lower 48, but just the otherday she called me and said, I
need you to just like, tell mewhere I'm off here, like, and
speak, like, not coming from, Ineed you to tell me I'm doing a
good job, but like, I need youto tell me where I'm like
missing the mark here if I am.
And I'm like, okay.
You know?
And so she just started talkingand I was like, actually, I
don't think you are.
And so she's like, okay.
You know, but she, there's thatlike, I trust you enough to be
(18:08):
able to.
Speak to hard things too, andknowing that it's come from a
place of wanting me to furthermy journey with, God and deepen
that.
Kimber (18:17):
yeah, that's so good because if we don't have that.
it's like, if you can't trustsomeone with that, then you're
never going to hear it.
Or if you do hear it, you'regoing to second.
Guess it all the time.
Meghan (18:27):
Right,
Kimber (18:28):
yeah.
I love that reminder of beingable to receive that better
Meghan (18:32):
Mm-hmm.
Kimber (18:32):
we have trust in where it's
Meghan (18:34):
Yeah, Yeah.
Having, Having, yes and nofriends is a good.
thing.
Yeah.
Kimber (18:38):
Yeah.
Mm, so good.
So hard.
That's hard for me, but, I seethe
Meghan (18:43):
Oh, I, I'll sound easy.
Yes.
It's never pleasant, but it's
Kimber (18:47):
Right.
Yeah.
So, how do you think we do this?
Let's get a little bit practicalbecause I think it's like, it's
easy to say like, oh, you andyour friends should read your
Bible more like.
Okay, but we know we should,but, I think really what I want
to look at here is like, how dowe invite conversation about
scripture or just invitescripture into our friendships?
(19:11):
Like, how does this come up?
Um, how do we do this?
Like, how do we invite this?
Because we can't control what,our friend is doing.
Right.
But how can we lead the way ininviting scripture and,
biblical.
Perspective and stuff into ourconversations and our
friendships.
Meghan (19:29):
Yeah.
I um, I think starts with justtalking about it.
I mean, working in a noconversation, you know, like
right now I am, um, in themiddle of going through, the
book of, um, I just finishedacts actually.
So, and I went through the bookof Acts and I was watching a,
Bible study by Louie Gigo on,right now media, which is
awesome.
Little plug out for them if youdon't have it.
(19:50):
Um, and, and so I don't know,starting with that of like, oh
my gosh, hey, I just.
Started this Bible study and itwas just incredible the way you
know, of going such a deep diveinto a book.
And so I think just working itinto a conversation, um, be
like, man, you know, I waspraying that I didn't read my
Bible and I just felt like, Godtold me this or this really
(20:12):
stuck out to me.
And I don't know, just trying tofigure out a way.
I think it starts with you of.
Taking that step and being thatperson that starts it.
And then you don't know what'sgonna come from that of either
they're gonna be like, oh Yeah.
that's so cool, or I wanna dothat, join you in that.
but I think step, you need tostep out with it.
For
Kimber (20:29):
Yeah, because that invites then more of that, I
think.
Meghan (20:33):
Especially for those that maybe are a little more,
Yeah.
Close, close to the vest.
People that maybe they wannatalk about it, but they don't
really.
Maybe feel like It's awkward oruncomfortable, but if you just
kind of take that step of like,you know, I was reading this the
other day and it's really cooland, Yeah.
Kimber (20:47):
Yeah, I love the idea of just making that, not so weird.
Meghan (20:54):
Yes.
Kimber (20:54):
I don't know if it's, because I think that I grew up
in, a faith environment that.
Kind of just assumed that faithwas very personal.
and I think what that led me toconclude was that.
Oh, I like, it's weird to talkabout like what God is saying to
me, or, you know, what I'mreading or, or whatever.
(21:15):
But to me, that's, that's sillybecause like I was saying, if
whatever we're consuming, likewe want to talk about it because
we care about it.
Right.
And so it's certainly not weirdto talk to a friend about a TV
show that I was watching, that
Meghan (21:28):
I was just gonna say that.
Yeah.
Yeah.
Kimber (21:31):
Yeah.
And so why is it weird to, youknow, talk about what we're
reading a scripture or whatever.
I think that many of us want itto not be weird.
And so how do we make it notweird while we just start doing
it?
Right.
We just start talking about it.
And so, um, I love that idea oflike leading the way in just,
Hey, I want to tell you aboutthis and yeah, it might be a
(21:53):
little weird, especially if theydon't like.
No, what to say back, but again,I feel like this kind of
conversation, if you start withyour very closest people,
practice in that super saferelationship.
And then maybe someday it'llbleed out into, uh, you know,
like a conversation with someonewho's not a believer.
Meghan (22:14):
Right.
Yeah.
And I think it's okay to belike, it's weird, this is gonna
sound really weird, but what doyou, here's what I'm reading the
Bible right now.
Like, I don't know, I would justbe like, this is gonna be weird.
Let's
Kimber (22:23):
just name it.
Yeah.
Meghan (22:25):
Yeah.
And I think that's where likepodcasts have been, have been so
awesome too because it's so,like, it's almost, um, Second
nature to me now to like sharelike, Hey, I just listened to
this really awesome like JennyAllen podcast and wow, this was
really convicting for me.
Like you should listen to it.
Like even starting.
with something that maybe isn'tface to face yet.
And then next time you see, belike, Hey, Jill's, that podcast.
(22:46):
Like, wasn't it.
so cool?
I don't know,
Kimber (22:48):
Yeah.
Meghan (22:49):
ways to kind of break down those walls in small steps
to get to that but there's somany ways, different ways and
avenues to
Kimber (22:56):
yeah.
Another one that I think can bereally good, especially if you
haven't really had those kindsof conversations with this
friend before, but you want to,is like doing a study together
or something like that, doingsomething together because then
your.
You can consume whatever it isseparately.
And then when you come together,you have something to talk
(23:18):
about, like, like a podcast, youknow, like that can be a great
place to start.
As we're talking aboutscripture, we're like reading
scripture together.
doing like a first five study orthe YouVersion Bible app has
studies that are
Meghan (23:32):
Bible, the Bible project
Kimber (23:34):
Right now media, like you.
Like you were saying.
Yeah.
The bio project, like, there areso many things out there that I
think just the idea of like,Hey, I'm wanting to do this.
Would you have any interest injoining me?
And worst cases, they'll say,no, thanks.
I'm already doing something,which, okay, whatever, you know,
but giving that offer.
(23:55):
I think can be just a great waythen to even have more social
talk about like, just to be it'slike a conversation starter.
In spiritual matters because.
Like I was saying at thebeginning, if you sort of
struggle to like, get into thedeep stuff, Um, with your
friend, I think it's just amatter of having a place to
start, like knowing where tostart.
I think so many people don'tknow how to break that
(24:16):
awkwardness.
Of moving from like the surfacelevel stuff to the more
substantial meaty conversations.
And if you're like have ashared, thing you're reading or
that you're listening to, that'slike an automatic.
In to a spiritual conversation.
And so I think that's a greatway to
Meghan (24:35):
yeah, when we first moved here, I, um, started,
Growing a friendship with one ofmy best friends now here, and
one of the ways we connected waswe both actually really liked
Jenny Allen and there was a bookthat she had written called
Nothing to Prove, and we bothwere, I was like, Hey, would you
wanna like read this?
And then maybe, I don't know,once a week or every other week,
whatever your schedule, I waslike, we get together and talk
(24:56):
about it and, and so that's whatwe did and that was such, I feel
like such a great way to.
deep dive into our.
Friendship and, you know, andsometimes it was meeting at a c
a coffee shop in town, or it waslike, we'd go hike and talk
about it.
And, um, And then that justreally, I feel like, started
this awesome foundation of ourfriendship.
So, but it was, it was a littlebit, we were like, Hey, I don't,
(25:17):
you know, we were both in theseason and we both really wanted
someone like that and we didn'treally have it, so we were able
to kind of find that with eachother.
So it's pretty cool.
Kimber (25:25):
That's beautiful.
Yeah.
I love it.
You just got to ask this whereit starts.
Meghan (25:29):
Yep.
Kimber (25:30):
absolutely.
Well, friends listening, we havebeen wrapping up these summer
series with, uh, just achallenge for Megan of how to
like, take these.
ideas and make them.
Reality and perhaps start topractice them in our lives
because I feel like that'ssomething for me that's so
important is I can talk about anidea all day, but then actually
(25:52):
going out and doing somethingabout it, making it real is
where sometimes I need thatextra push.
So, um, Megan has been giving ussome good ideas for ways to make
this stuff practical.
So what are you thinkingregarding.
I'm reading scripture.
What comes to
Meghan (26:06):
Yeah, so this week's challenge is for you?
to step out and get weird andask, um, text or call or when
you're with a friend, share witha friend something that you've
been reading in the Bible that'sreally.
Kimber (26:19):
Hm.
Meghan (26:20):
spoken to, or if it's a book that you're reading that
is, Christ-centered, somethinglike that.
To get the ball rolling and to,um, yeah, just something that's
impacted you reading the wordthis week and step out with that
and, and then ask what, youknow, maybe they'll follow what
this is what I've been learningor what have you been reading
that.
stuck out.
Kimber (26:37):
Yeah, I love that.
I think the, the line that hashelped me start to bring these
kinds of things up is like, um,I was reading the other day or
something like that, like, so Iwas reading something that was
interesting or.
I was reasonably, I wasconvicting, like, I think
sometimes it sounds weird to us,like, let.
Or like maybe a little, um,Arrogant or something or braggy
(26:58):
like, oh, I was reading my Bibleand.
You know, but it really doesn'tneed to be weird.
Just talk about it as likesomething that you're reading
and, then just share, I think alittle bit with how it impacted
you.
And then I love the turnaroundquestion.
what have you been readinglately
Meghan (27:15):
Mm-hmm.
Kimber (27:15):
Or even if you want them to talk more about that, maybe
if you don't want to put thepressure on, What do you think
of that?
Or have you ever read that partor something like that?
Can just invite them then to
Meghan (27:26):
exactly.
Yep.
Kimber (27:28):
Uh, I love it.
Well, thanks so much for hangingout today.
Megan friends listening.
I hope that this inspires you togo take these conversations to
either your couch or your hikes,like Megan was saying, or a
coffee date.
but to start to invite scriptureinto your conversations with
your friends,
Meghan (27:46):
Yes.
We'll see ya.
Kimber (27:47):
Bye.
Meghan (27:48):
Bye.
Kimber (27:52):
Friends.
I'm so glad you could join meand Megan on the show this week.
Getting into scripture with myfriends has been such a blessing
to me and I pray thisconversation gives you some
ideas for how to start leadinginto this area with your
friends.
And for why this can besomething that fosters so much
good spiritual intimacy withyour people.
Speaking of spiritual intimacy.
If you're loving this series sofar, would you tell a friend
(28:13):
about the podcast this week?
Just shoot her a DM with a postfrom social or a text or an
episode link and ask her if shelistened so that you guys can
talk about it.
The next time you hang out.
This is a great way to jumpstartthat spiritual intimacy in your
friendship in a way that ispretty low threat, but will
hopefully lead to someopportunities to express where
you'd like to go deeper in yourfaith in community with that
friend.
(28:33):
And I know how busy summer canget.
So make sure that you subscribeto the podcast wherever you
listen, so that you don't missan episode.
You can also sign up to be partof my newsletter crews.
So you get a weekly previewdelivered directly to your email
inbox of what will be on thepodcast next week.
Just visit your sisterkimber.com and subscribe there.
Friends.
Thank you so much for spendingpart of your tea with us until
(28:55):
next time.
It's your sister Kimber.
Hey friends.
Welcome to the, your sisterKimber podcast.
My name is Kimberly Gilbert, andI'm so glad you're here.
It might seem pretty obvious whywe should read our Bible more,
to grow in our relationship withthe Lord.
But how does getting intoscripture impact our
friendships?
Today, I'm talking with Meganfrable who is guest co-hosting
with me for the summer seriescalled being the Fred.
(00:30):
You need about how readingscripture impacts our ability to
be a good friend And how gettinginto scripture with our friends
can bless those relationships.
I hope this conversation getsthose ideas flowing to help you
grow authentic community in yourown life.
That Honors God and draws youcloser to Jesus.
I wish we could all get togetherover coffee and talk this out
(00:50):
today, but this is the next bestthing.
I'm so glad you're here, friend.
Let's get started.
Please welcome back our seriesguest cohost, Megan frable
today.
How's it.
Go vacant.
Meghan (01:07):
Good.
How are you, Kimber?
Kimber (01:08):
Yeah, I'm good.
Thanks again so much for doingthis with me.
It's been so fun so far, justhearing your perspective and
just your wisdom on thesetopics.
I, as I was listening back anddoing editing, um, I told you
there a day, but I was feelingso convicted.
I was like, oh my gosh, this isso good.
I'm like, You're preaching atme.
So thank you for
Meghan (01:27):
Oh, same.
Kimber (01:28):
with us.
Meghan (01:29):
Oh Yeah, I'm, I'm loving it.
It's been really great for metoo.
Kimber (01:32):
I love it.
Especially, because I feel likethese kinds of conversations are
like my sweet spot, because lovelike talking about faith stuff.
and I don't mind small talk, butif I could just like start
conversations with like, insteadof the, get to know you stuff
that we all go through.
If I could just be like, tell meabout how you met Jesus.
(01:53):
would love that.
It's so much more interesting tome.
I feel like, but.
Um, do you feel like you're thatway or are you more of a small
talk clever?
Meghan (01:59):
Uh, no.
I like, I like to go deep.
No, I like to go deep.
Yeah.
I think that, I mean, there's asometimes where it's a time and
place for the small talk and addthat.
in, but I definitely can be alittle bit aggressive with deep
questions.
Kimber (02:13):
I love that we were like, okay, we're going there.
Meghan (02:16):
Yeah.
Kimber (02:17):
That's my favorite.
I love that.
Well, we are a few episodes intoour summer series here at the
podcast.
It's called being the friend youneed.
And I really feel like there'stwo sides of this, um, that
we've been talking about here.
One is that we should be mindfulof the people that we're letting
speak into our lives, right?
(02:37):
Like the kind of friend that Ineed in my life is someone who's
going to pour into me, more ofJesus, right?
Because that's what they'repursuing more and more.
And we talked about this abunch, because I want to be
clear on it.
Like I'm going to have friendswho don't do that.
and that's okay.
But that doesn't mean that I'mgoing to like go to them when
I'm struggling or like foradvice or like in my hardest
(02:59):
moments.
but for the people that are likemy close circle, they should be
pursuing Jesus if that's whatI'm pursuing.
Right.
If that's what I want to bespoken back into me.
That's what I should bepursuing, but I think the flip
side of it is if we're sofocused on like, what are my
friends giving me?
What are they pouring into methen it's kind of a ignoring the
(03:19):
log in your own eye kind ofissue or situation.
Right?
Because if I'm only focusing onthat, then I'm going to miss the
opportunity of like, how can Ilead the way in growing in these
areas of my walk with Jesus.
And so, I feel like it's like,we kind of flip that script a
bit of, not so much.
Focusing on.
How are my friends meeting myneeds.
but how can I start just bybeing that friend that I really
(03:44):
know that I need in my own lifeas well.
How have you seen this, ideaplay out in your life of
flipping that script from mefocused and like, how are my
friends meeting my needs too?
How can I, start with myself andpour out through my friendships
and have that be when I'mfocusing on.
Meghan (04:00):
Yeah, that's such a good question.
Um, I think it starts, Yeah.
with leading the way and.
Not that you wanna give so thatyou can get something in return.
But in a way it's that steppingout and being vulnerable I think
and saying, this is kind ofsomething I want, but I also
need to be the one that'spursuing that and going after
that.
Cuz I feel like a lot of thetimes if we wanna sit back and
(04:23):
be the wallflower, like timesoutta 10 people aren't gonna be
wanting to come.
To us, that doesn't alwayshappen.
And so it really does start withus taking the initiative and
then that can be so hard cuz notfor everyone.
That's not Like.
their thing.
They would rather be the come tome people.
Kimber (04:38):
Totally.
I think we all would, right.
Meghan (04:41):
Yeah.
Oh yeah.
I mean, yeah, it's not reality.
Like the fact is it's probablynot gonna happen.
And so you taking that bravestep, if that's something that's
not easy for you.
To do, make the ask to be thepursuer.
You are gonna start to get thatback in return.
Maybe not right away, but youwill more than just waiting for
(05:02):
people to come to you.
Kimber (05:03):
Yeah, I love the brave step is for sure.
I think true for, for so many ofus.
And, even if it's like maybecomes a little bit easier, I
still think it takes sometimesjust like the act of practicing
that muscle almost of, leadingthe way in that.
But I love one thing that I loveabout this series is that, it's
(05:23):
even like just practicing themuscle of what were.
Working on to grow in ourrelationship with Jesus and just
like, okay, how can I bring thisinto the realm, my friendships.
Um, and so far we've talkedabout prayer, and both the
personal side and theintercession side and, just how
we can like make.
I think so often spiritualpractices get relegated to like,
(05:47):
you know, your one-on-onerelationship with the Lord,
which is of course a big part ofit.
but how can we bring this intothe area of our friendships?
And, so I think it's like,again, that muscle being
practiced is like, okay, I'm,I'm working on this in
relationship with the Lord now,how can it spill into other
areas of my life?
And so I feel like part of ittoo, that can help with that.
(06:08):
branching out or like beingbrave in those moments is like,
if it's growing in my personallife with the Lord, then I feel
like that can sometimes, it canbe like an overflow even into
the rest of our life, ratherthan it just being like, okay,
I've got to like muscle up anddo this, but when it's just an
overflow, I think that can, Idon't know, give us some, like,
Behind our efforts as well.
(06:29):
And that's kind of what we'vebeen focusing on in this series
is, is how we can shift thatfocus from, okay, I'm going to
do this so that I can be a goodfriend, but just how does what
I'm already growing with theLord?
How does that.
Flow out into my relationships
Meghan (06:44):
Yes.
Yeah,
Kimber (06:44):
And so today we're talking about this idea of like
digging into scripture, readingscripture, um, with our friends,
how just like this.
Part of spiritual formation,which like we talked about all
the time, read your Bible,right.
But how does this, impact ourfriendships?
Because I really think it doesin my experience.
So I'm interested to hear yourperspective on this too.
(07:06):
Um, let's start with just likethe vertical side.
Like how have you seen regularlyreading the Bible, deepen your
relationship with God?
Because I feel like thatrelationship is our model for
then the horizontalrelationships all around us.
So.
It seems like a given read yourBible, but you know, I think
it's important to talk about howdo we see this bearing fruit?
(07:27):
So how have you seen that?
Meghan (07:29):
Well, I think too, like for most of us, cuz not all of
us have gotten to hear theaudible speaking voice of God,
but like this is the way that weget to talk to God and he gets
to talk to us and this is such ahuge part of that is, you know,
the word is living and activeand so getting into the word is
really a main flow ofcommunication that we get to
(07:50):
have with.
With our friend with with Jesus.
And so for me, that's been thebiggest.
impact it.
I know that when I'm in theword, I feel like I'm a better
wife, I'm a better mom, I'm abetter friend, I'm a better
believer.
And when I step out of that, Idefinitely start to feel kind of
the effects of not having thatvertical connection with God.
(08:12):
And so reading my Bible is suchan integral part of my
relationship cuz it really islike that kind of life source in
a way of.
that connection with God.
Kimber (08:23):
Yeah.
When we were having ourconversation about prayer, we
talked about just how, like Ithink that prayer in that regard
can sometimes feel hard for mebecause I don't have.
The literal, like person talking
Meghan (08:35):
Yes.
Kimber (08:37):
And so I love that you bring up that Like the backtalk
is scripture.
And so if we're the more we'rein that.
I feel like the more we have aclear idea of what the voice of
God sounds like.
And that's where I think youreally can start to in your
prayer life.
feel like it is a more back andforth conversation because
(08:57):
you're familiar with with God'scharacter and what his voice
sounds like, because you've readhis word.
Meghan (09:02):
You've read his word?
Yep.
Kimber (09:03):
And R immersed in it.
Like I heard someone say onetime.
This idea that I have alwaysloved, that they wanted to have.
They want to have a scripturesaturated imagination.
Where it's like everything thatyou think about from your
thoughts to like your prayerlife, to just the way that you,
um, I don't know, dream is likesaturated in scripture and I
(09:26):
loved that idea and I thinkabout that a
Meghan (09:28):
That was beautiful.
Kimber (09:29):
it takes, but it takes like a long time.
Like you can't get.
Uh, scripture saturatedimagination and like worldview
and perspectives.
You can't get that likeovernight or in like a 30 day
reading plan.
Like it's, it's a long game.
And so it's like, that's bothencouraging and that I don't
have to feel like I have it alltogether right away, but also it
(09:51):
can feel like, you know, oh, Ijust want to quick check off,
but that's not really the way itworks.
I don't think.
Meghan (09:56):
No, no, no.
That's awesome.
That's so beautiful.
I love that.
Kimber (10:00):
Yeah.
So if we're thinking of thenmore horizontal, cause I love
that you reminded us that Jesuscalls himself, our friend.
And so we can think of ourrelationship with him in many
ways as a friendship and such agood model for that.
So how do you think Being.
friends with someone who isreading our Bible and how does
(10:20):
reading our Bible impact ourfriendships like road, but going
both ways.
how do you feel like you haveseen the impact of reading
scripture enter into the realmof friendships?
Meghan (10:33):
Oh, I think I've had so many awesome opportunities to
just have like Bible studieswith my friends, to, have those
conversations and there is sucha like, a bond, I don't know,
bonding and like this intimacythat grows with your friends
when you are, pursuing Christtogether and really digging in
and also hearing other opinions,like we're not all gonna like,
read the same verse and maybehave the same, outlook on it.
(10:55):
And so getting those differentperspectives such this beautiful
way of like, I get to see Godspeak through my friend back to
me and vice versa.
And so there's this amazingcommunication that happens and
you know, or when I'm goingthrough something and my
friend's able to preachscripture back to me and say
like, just remember, you know,like it becomes this horizontal
(11:18):
and vertical connection kind of,I feel like all at the same
time, like I'm getting closer tomy friend, but I'm also like
leaning on Christ again.
And um, so Yeah.
it's greatly impacted me andthere's been seasons of my life
where I haven't had that and itreally does feel like I'm just
missing like this huge piece.
Not, I don't wanna say like ofmy relationship with Christ, but
(11:38):
really that community, like, itjust felt like there's a piece
of that puzzle that isn't quitethere yet.
And so it is such a keycomponent I feel like, to our,
pursuit of holiness, our walkwith Christ, our relationship
with him is having thatcommunity.
Kimber (11:51):
Yeah, I have heard this in regard to marriage, but I
feel like it counts forfriendship too.
And as you were saying that Ipictured, have you heard of
this?
Like the triangle.
Metaphor where it's like, God isat the top of the triangle and
we're on the two bottom cornerslike us.
And I've usually heard in thecontext of marriage, but S and a
spouse.
And as each of us like growscloser to God, we're also
(12:14):
growing closer to each other,across that, um,
Meghan (12:18):
That's so funny.
Yeah, Justin and I used toactually have that, like on our
fridge when we were
Kimber (12:22):
That's such a good
Meghan (12:23):
It said, God, me and you, and it was just that
reminder of as we're growing inour own individual lives, we're
actually growing closertogether.
So yeah, it's so true.
Kimber (12:34):
like it applies to friendship as well.
And I love the, you bring upspiritual intimacy because.
That was earliest.
That's what I would call it.
What you're talking about there.
This is something that Iactually an idea I hadn't really
thought about until somewhatrecently we were having a
conversation about it in ourlife group, in a marriage city.
And, It's just, it's true.
(12:55):
I think even if we've neverthought about the term, like
spiritual intimacy before.
But within a marriage or withinjust a friendship.
there is a certain level ofintimacy that comes when you can
freely talk about spiritualmatters.
And I have heard so many peoplesay, and I've experienced this
myself too, where it's like, andit's, I think it's like what you
(13:15):
could just kind of said of, youknow, when you are friends with
someone, who's not a believer.
Like you can go deep on a lot ofthings, but I've heard so many
people say the CD of like, itfeels like something is missing.
In my friendship.
And I think a big part of it iswhat's missing.
There is spiritual intimacy,like, you know, There's just
certain things that you don'teither you don't share or you
(13:37):
don't talk about, or if you do,you just like disagree on and
don't see eye to eye on.
And so I feel like that does.
Impact your friendships.
And when you can't like gothere, if you will.
then you're always going to bemissing something.
So have you experienced that infriendships before?
Meghan (13:55):
Yeah.
definitely.
And I always feel like there'salmost like I can't be my whole
self.
In a way, because there's thisreally big piece of me that,
either they're not believersand, you know, and that's just a
part that we don't, we don'tnecessarily agree with.
Like, I have friendships wherethey're not believers and we're
good friends, but there is likethat component of, of
conversations and just myoutlook on life, her outlook on
(14:18):
life.
It's just gonna be different.
So there is like, just kind ofthis little, I don't wanna say
chasm, like, but there is abarrier in a way of.
Of that.
And I know some people get kindof weirded out by the word
intimacy with friends, but itreally, it really is true.
Like there
Kimber (14:32):
I didn't even think of that.
I'm glad you said that.
Yeah.
Because I guess it is kind of aright.
It's usually in the realm oflike a sexual relationship
Meghan (14:39):
sex.
Yes,
Kimber (14:40):
Yeah.
Meghan (14:40):
exactly.
Exactly.
But it's true.
And, um, I think it was in amarriage.
context, like someone had talkedabout intimacy.
Really it means like into me c.
Kimber (14:49):
Oh,
Meghan (14:50):
And I love that.
cuz that's kind of what it is.
So you're getting to really getinto those Where my sin struggle
is where my heart is in a lot ofways when we start to have these
spiritual conversations, thegood fruit and the bad fruit,
and where we need to like pruneand where we're flourishing and
all of those things.
But it really is that likeintimacy and we get to do that.
(15:13):
There is this like spiritspiritual intimacy that happens.
Kimber (15:16):
I love that.
And I feel like scripturereading is such a big part of
that that enables these kinds ofconversations.
To happen where you can grow inspiritual intimacy in your
friendship.
Um, because if it's like theidea of what are you consuming,
right?
Like if I'm watching a TV showthat I love, I'm going to talk
about it because you know, I'minterested in it.
(15:38):
Or if I'm listening to a goodpodcast or I'm reading a good
book, like we talk about whatwe're consuming.
And so I feel like if we'reconsuming scripture, and
allowing it to form us becauseit isn't just like a
entertainment factor.
But if we're, you know, if weare consuming it and filling our
minds with it and our heartswith it, then that's going to
(15:58):
like come out more likely, inour conversations with our
friends, which is then going togive just more fodder, I think,
to have those kinds of likespiritual conversations that,
that won't come up otherwise.
And so I feel like it's almostlike.
Fuel for the fire of deepeningyour relationship.
when you're actually havingstuff to talk about in that
(16:20):
regard.
Meghan (16:20):
exactly.
Kimber (16:21):
the other thing that I love that you brought up with
that was just the, biblicalencouragement and advice.
Uh, like what are, what is yourfriend?
Feeding you back, right.
When you're processing withthem.
When you are like sharing, youknow, stuff that you're going
through or stuff that's hard inyour life.
What are they giving you back?
(16:42):
And that's like worth thinkingabout, especially when it's
someone that's really close toyou.
And, um, that you really aretrusting with them with your,
deepest stuff.
And I feel like if we know thatour friends are in scripture as
well, not from like a legalisticpoint of like, Did you read your
Bible day or not, but from apoint of like, I know that I can
(17:03):
trust her advice to me, or Iknow that she's going to
encourage me from a perspectiveof Jesus.
Then I feel like that justincreases the trust that I can
have in our conversations,because I know that like, she
might not be perfect in how sheresponds, but at least it's
coming from a point.
That is grounded in scripture.
Meghan (17:25):
Yeah.
Yeah.
And I think you're more, apt tolisten to their hard truth too,
you know?
So, you know, because I knowthat they're, that they love me
to be able to have that level offriendship and faith that's so
deep that they're willing totell me the hard stuff.
Is a really good.
you know, I have a friend, she,she lives in another state down
(17:45):
in lower 48, but just the otherday she called me and said, I
need you to just like, tell mewhere I'm off here, like, and
speak, like, not coming from, Ineed you to tell me I'm doing a
good job, but like, I need youto tell me where I'm like
missing the mark here if I am.
And I'm like, okay.
You know?
And so she just started talkingand I was like, actually, I
don't think you are.
And so she's like, okay.
You know, but she, there's thatlike, I trust you enough to be
(18:08):
able to.
Speak to hard things too, andknowing that it's come from a
place of wanting me to furthermy journey with, God and deepen
that.
Kimber (18:17):
yeah, that's so good because if we don't have that.
it's like, if you can't trustsomeone with that, then you're
never going to hear it.
Or if you do hear it, you'regoing to second.
Guess it all the time.
Meghan (18:27):
Right,
Kimber (18:28):
yeah.
I love that reminder of beingable to receive that better
Meghan (18:32):
Mm-hmm.
Kimber (18:32):
we have trust in where it's
Meghan (18:34):
Yeah, Yeah.
Having, Having, yes and nofriends is a good.
thing.
Yeah.
Kimber (18:38):
Yeah.
Mm, so good.
So hard.
That's hard for me, but, I seethe
Meghan (18:43):
Oh, I, I'll sound easy.
Yes.
It's never pleasant, but it's
Kimber (18:47):
Right.
Yeah.
So, how do you think we do this?
Let's get a little bit practicalbecause I think it's like, it's
easy to say like, oh, you andyour friends should read your
Bible more like.
Okay, but we know we should,but, I think really what I want
to look at here is like, how dowe invite conversation about
scripture or just invitescripture into our friendships?
(19:11):
Like, how does this come up?
Um, how do we do this?
Like, how do we invite this?
Because we can't control what,our friend is doing.
Right.
But how can we lead the way ininviting scripture and,
biblical.
Perspective and stuff into ourconversations and our
friendships.
Meghan (19:29):
Yeah.
I um, I think starts with justtalking about it.
I mean, working in a noconversation, you know, like
right now I am, um, in themiddle of going through, the
book of, um, I just finishedacts actually.
So, and I went through the bookof Acts and I was watching a,
Bible study by Louie Gigo on,right now media, which is
awesome.
Little plug out for them if youdon't have it.
(19:50):
Um, and, and so I don't know,starting with that of like, oh
my gosh, hey, I just.
Started this Bible study and itwas just incredible the way you
know, of going such a deep diveinto a book.
And so I think just working itinto a conversation, um, be
like, man, you know, I waspraying that I didn't read my
Bible and I just felt like, Godtold me this or this really
(20:12):
stuck out to me.
And I don't know, just trying tofigure out a way.
I think it starts with you of.
Taking that step and being thatperson that starts it.
And then you don't know what'sgonna come from that of either
they're gonna be like, oh Yeah.
that's so cool, or I wanna dothat, join you in that.
but I think step, you need tostep out with it.
For
Kimber (20:29):
Yeah, because that invites then more of that, I
think.
Meghan (20:33):
Especially for those that maybe are a little more,
Yeah.
Close, close to the vest.
People that maybe they wannatalk about it, but they don't
really.
Maybe feel like It's awkward oruncomfortable, but if you just
kind of take that step of like,you know, I was reading this the
other day and it's really cooland, Yeah.
Kimber (20:47):
Yeah, I love the idea of just making that, not so weird.
Meghan (20:54):
Yes.
Kimber (20:54):
I don't know if it's, because I think that I grew up
in, a faith environment that.
Kind of just assumed that faithwas very personal.
and I think what that led me toconclude was that.
Oh, I like, it's weird to talkabout like what God is saying to
me, or, you know, what I'mreading or, or whatever.
(21:15):
But to me, that's, that's sillybecause like I was saying, if
whatever we're consuming, likewe want to talk about it because
we care about it.
Right.
And so it's certainly not weirdto talk to a friend about a TV
show that I was watching, that
Meghan (21:28):
I was just gonna say that.
Yeah.
Yeah.
Kimber (21:31):
Yeah.
And so why is it weird to, youknow, talk about what we're
reading a scripture or whatever.
I think that many of us want itto not be weird.
And so how do we make it notweird while we just start doing
it?
Right.
We just start talking about it.
And so, um, I love that idea oflike leading the way in just,
Hey, I want to tell you aboutthis and yeah, it might be a
(21:53):
little weird, especially if theydon't like.
No, what to say back, but again,I feel like this kind of
conversation, if you start withyour very closest people,
practice in that super saferelationship.
And then maybe someday it'llbleed out into, uh, you know,
like a conversation with someonewho's not a believer.
Meghan (22:14):
Right.
Yeah.
And I think it's okay to belike, it's weird, this is gonna
sound really weird, but what doyou, here's what I'm reading the
Bible right now.
Like, I don't know, I would justbe like, this is gonna be weird.
Let's
Kimber (22:23):
just name it.
Yeah.
Meghan (22:25):
Yeah.
And I think that's where likepodcasts have been, have been so
awesome too because it's so,like, it's almost, um, Second
nature to me now to like sharelike, Hey, I just listened to
this really awesome like JennyAllen podcast and wow, this was
really convicting for me.
Like you should listen to it.
Like even starting.
with something that maybe isn'tface to face yet.
And then next time you see, belike, Hey, Jill's, that podcast.
(22:46):
Like, wasn't it.
so cool?
I don't know,
Kimber (22:48):
Yeah.
Meghan (22:49):
ways to kind of break down those walls in small steps
to get to that but there's somany ways, different ways and
avenues to
Kimber (22:56):
yeah.
Another one that I think can bereally good, especially if you
haven't really had those kindsof conversations with this
friend before, but you want to,is like doing a study together
or something like that, doingsomething together because then
your.
You can consume whatever it isseparately.
And then when you come together,you have something to talk
(23:18):
about, like, like a podcast, youknow, like that can be a great
place to start.
As we're talking aboutscripture, we're like reading
scripture together.
doing like a first five study orthe YouVersion Bible app has
studies that are
Meghan (23:32):
Bible, the Bible project
Kimber (23:34):
Right now media, like you.
Like you were saying.
Yeah.
The bio project, like, there areso many things out there that I
think just the idea of like,Hey, I'm wanting to do this.
Would you have any interest injoining me?
And worst cases, they'll say,no, thanks.
I'm already doing something,which, okay, whatever, you know,
but giving that offer.
(23:55):
I think can be just a great waythen to even have more social
talk about like, just to be it'slike a conversation starter.
In spiritual matters because.
Like I was saying at thebeginning, if you sort of
struggle to like, get into thedeep stuff, Um, with your
friend, I think it's just amatter of having a place to
start, like knowing where tostart.
I think so many people don'tknow how to break that
(24:16):
awkwardness.
Of moving from like the surfacelevel stuff to the more
substantial meaty conversations.
And if you're like have ashared, thing you're reading or
that you're listening to, that'slike an automatic.
In to a spiritual conversation.
And so I think that's a greatway to
Meghan (24:35):
yeah, when we first moved here, I, um, started,
Growing a friendship with one ofmy best friends now here, and
one of the ways we connected waswe both actually really liked
Jenny Allen and there was a bookthat she had written called
Nothing to Prove, and we bothwere, I was like, Hey, would you
wanna like read this?
And then maybe, I don't know,once a week or every other week,
whatever your schedule, I waslike, we get together and talk
(24:56):
about it and, and so that's whatwe did and that was such, I feel
like such a great way to.
deep dive into our.
Friendship and, you know, andsometimes it was meeting at a c
a coffee shop in town, or it waslike, we'd go hike and talk
about it.
And, um, And then that justreally, I feel like, started
this awesome foundation of ourfriendship.
So, but it was, it was a littlebit, we were like, Hey, I don't,
(25:17):
you know, we were both in theseason and we both really wanted
someone like that and we didn'treally have it, so we were able
to kind of find that with eachother.
So it's pretty cool.
Kimber (25:25):
That's beautiful.
Yeah.
I love it.
You just got to ask this whereit starts.
Meghan (25:29):
Yep.
Kimber (25:30):
absolutely.
Well, friends listening, we havebeen wrapping up these summer
series with, uh, just achallenge for Megan of how to
like, take these.
ideas and make them.
Reality and perhaps start topractice them in our lives
because I feel like that'ssomething for me that's so
important is I can talk about anidea all day, but then actually
(25:52):
going out and doing somethingabout it, making it real is
where sometimes I need thatextra push.
So, um, Megan has been giving ussome good ideas for ways to make
this stuff practical.
So what are you thinkingregarding.
I'm reading scripture.
What comes to
Meghan (26:06):
Yeah, so this week's challenge is for you?
to step out and get weird andask, um, text or call or when
you're with a friend, share witha friend something that you've
been reading in the Bible that'sreally.
Kimber (26:19):
Hm.
Meghan (26:20):
spoken to, or if it's a book that you're reading that
is, Christ-centered, somethinglike that.
To get the ball rolling and to,um, yeah, just something that's
impacted you reading the wordthis week and step out with that
and, and then ask what, youknow, maybe they'll follow what
this is what I've been learningor what have you been reading
that.
stuck out.
Kimber (26:37):
Yeah, I love that.
I think the, the line that hashelped me start to bring these
kinds of things up is like, um,I was reading the other day or
something like that, like, so Iwas reading something that was
interesting or.
I was reasonably, I wasconvicting, like, I think
sometimes it sounds weird to us,like, let.
Or like maybe a little, um,Arrogant or something or braggy
(26:58):
like, oh, I was reading my Bibleand.
You know, but it really doesn'tneed to be weird.
Just talk about it as likesomething that you're reading
and, then just share, I think alittle bit with how it impacted
you.
And then I love the turnaroundquestion.
what have you been readinglately
Meghan (27:15):
Mm-hmm.
Kimber (27:15):
Or even if you want them to talk more about that, maybe
if you don't want to put thepressure on, What do you think
of that?
Or have you ever read that partor something like that?
Can just invite them then to
Meghan (27:26):
exactly.
Yep.
Kimber (27:28):
Uh, I love it.
Well, thanks so much for hangingout today.
Megan friends listening.
I hope that this inspires you togo take these conversations to
either your couch or your hikes,like Megan was saying, or a
coffee date.
but to start to invite scriptureinto your conversations with
your friends,
Meghan (27:46):
Yes.
We'll see ya.
Kimber (27:47):
Bye.
Meghan (27:48):
Bye.
Kimber (27:52):
Friends.
I'm so glad you could join meand Megan on the show this week.
Getting into scripture with myfriends has been such a blessing
to me and I pray thisconversation gives you some
ideas for how to start leadinginto this area with your
friends.
And for why this can besomething that fosters so much
good spiritual intimacy withyour people.
Speaking of spiritual intimacy.
If you're loving this series sofar, would you tell a friend
(28:13):
about the podcast this week?
Just shoot her a DM with a postfrom social or a text or an
episode link and ask her if shelistened so that you guys can
talk about it.
The next time you hang out.
This is a great way to jumpstartthat spiritual intimacy in your
friendship in a way that ispretty low threat, but will
hopefully lead to someopportunities to express where
you'd like to go deeper in yourfaith in community with that
friend.
(28:33):
And I know how busy summer canget.
So make sure that you subscribeto the podcast wherever you
listen, so that you don't missan episode.
You can also sign up to be partof my newsletter crews.
So you get a weekly previewdelivered directly to your email
inbox of what will be on thepodcast next week.
Just visit your sisterkimber.com and subscribe there.
Friends.
Thank you so much for spendingpart of your tea with us until
(28:55):
next time.
It's your sister Kimber.
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