Closer Than a Sister: How Union with Christ helps Friendships to Flourish

by Christina Fox

We live in an age where 'friendships' are prolific and contact is constant. But are all of these people really our friends? The bond of Christian friendship is different. Built on our unity with Christ, these are real life, flesh and blood relationships - both sacred and sacrificial. Christina Fox offers insight into how we can weave friendships that last through any season and reflect Christ to the world.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Book Club, Christian Living, Christianity, Faith, Womens

192 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2017

About the author

Christina Fox is a blogger at where she chronicles her faith journey. She writes for a number of Christian ministries and publications including Desiring God and The Gospel Coalition. She lives with her husband and two sons in sunny South Florida.

Reviews

[NinaB · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book, a primer on Christian sisterhood and friendship. It’s concise, biblical and the author’s writing is clear and relatable. She quotes extensively other excellent books that are about relationships, church life and living in community. It is also extremely convicting and helpful as I navigate church life with fellow sinful sisters in the Lord. Yet, our hope is in the Lord. He is the kind of friend I aspire to be, has set the worthy example and has been the best of friend to repentant sinners like me.

[Jessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a much needed reminder of the importance of being unified with other women in Christ. The author speaks to the reality that true biblical friendships/sisterhood in Christ is not going to be easy, but it will be worth it because we are made to reflect God by being a community. She breaks down the theology of friendships (specifically among women), gives Biblical backing, and practical tips and advice on cultivating those relationships. I love that she ends with the fact that we will experience brokenness in our Christian friendships with other women, but Jesus is our perfect friend who will never fail us. I agree with some of the reviews that say it was a bit quote heavy in the beginning. However I think the quotes were all good and necessary, and the last half of the book became more personal so it was overall a good balance.

“Sharing a common life together is not about doing activity but about sharing LIFE. Spiritual life. It is about working together to bring about God’s Kingdom purposes. It is about serving together, helping each other through trials, lifting each other up when we fall, praying for one another, urging one another on in the faith. And ultimately, it is reflecting Christ in our love for one another, imaging Him to the fallen world around us.” -Christina Fox

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this book to fill in some holes from Jennie Allen's Find Your People. This book has more Biblical exegesis, more Scriptural support, and more of a focus on how to do this INSIDE the church (instead of just in the community at large). Good additional information, although I found Allen's book to be more practically helpful.

Fox's writing style lacked some of its usual vigor, and this book was more of a dry/dull read than the others I've read by her.

[Carrie Brownell · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are interested in building up the community within your church and developing a right attitude with regards to relationships with your fellow sisters in Christ, this is an excellent read. Good relationships are nothing to take for granted and sometimes it takes great effort to keep and preserve them. Fox tackles the subject with grace and I appreciated what she had to share on the topic.

Full review: http://www.readingtoknow.com/2018/02/...

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is theologically sound and encouraging. However, there just wasn’t much substance. I feel that about half way through the book, the same points were being made. The writing style left something to be desired, and felt basic.

[Aria Greendyk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read for a women's book study at church.
The first few chapters of this book were somewhat of a review of what Biblical community is and looks like. As the book continued, most of the concepts weren't terribly new or shocking, but I really enjoyed and appreciated how the author was willing to go into depth about the difficulties and realities of true Christian fellowship between Christian women. I felt inspired and convicted at the same time, as I've experienced real, authentic Christian fellowship before but somewhat rarely, and it often feels impossible to achieve. She acknowledged that it's difficult, and takes a lot of work, but it's not impossible and it can be so glorifying to God and sanctifying to us if we're willing to take risks and invest in genuine relationships that go beyond the weather to how we're actually doing spiritually.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don't let the length of time it took me to read this, influence you. I very rarely sit and read books, I usually listen to books so I can accomplish other things. When I read a book, especially a book that has to do with my life as a child of God, I like to take my time so I can truly pay attention to what I am reading.

[Sarah Sanders · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are questions at the end of each chapter that would lend this book toward a group study. It was a good book.

[Meggie · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I take no issue with the content of this book—it is full of truths about gospel friendships and quotes scripture well—the writing style and lack of true insight really disappointed me. It read like a book report, just quoting other authors, not offering anything that really challenged me in the new way. I hoped for more on this topic to share with friends.

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simple truths that are easy to digest and apply!

[Brandi Breezee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading and discussing this book with our Circle. Convicted and encouraged in so many areas. Bonus: written by a presby, so there’s that.

[Lydia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was picked by such a wise & godly lady at our church (you know who you are & I love you!!) and it’s been so timely! Our sister-friends are the ones who are going to weep with us through the darkest, hardest times of life and shout for joy with us during the highest highs of life.
Christina Fox does a wonderful job of encouraging us, gently speaking the hard truths in love, and reminding us that our family in Christ is our family for eternity.
“Closer than a Sister” also reminded me a lot of “Side by Side” by Edward Welch; both books help us see how to walk with others in love and in Christ.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Biblical take on friendships in the church - this book is filled with Scripture! It begins with recognizing the union with have with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, then expands that union to the one we have with our sisters in Christ because of our mutual union with Him. It discusses Biblical ways to express this union to one another (such as rejoicing with those who rejoice and weeping with those who weep) as well as challenges to our unity. Finally, the author brings us full circle again to our relationship with Christ and how He is the best friend we could ever have!

[Angela Van · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an excellent book on biblical friendships. Christina paints a beautiful picture of the perfect friend we have in Jesus and relates that to the many aspects of our earthly friendships! I wish that I could purchase this book for every believing woman I know as it is both convicting and encouraging. Friendship in the body is a gift from God to help us grow through good times and bad, laughter and tears, joys and sorrows. Will definitely read again in future seasons!

[Milisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

In todays world with social media and all the business we are not cultivating true friendships. This book talks about being more proactive in cultivating friendships and in using our gifts as a church body to cultivate meaningful friendships. Reaching our and being intentional in pursuing friendships with depth.

[Debbie Swanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is full of biblical wisdom on the importance of and steps to forming "sister" relationships within our local church bodies. Great for reading alone or as a group. Each chapter has several questions for thought and discussion.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a beautiful little book! The theology is sound. The topic is so relevant. It was a joy to read! I highly recommend it. It was an easy read, and while not necessarily new and mind blowing, it was encouraging, clearly written, and up building!

[Betsy Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every woman ought to read and re-read this treasure. I loved it so much, I give it as a gift to my close friends. It’s so practical and filled with great advice!

[Heather Yonjof · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book on a subject that needs to be discussed in the Church more.

[Amanda Emerson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and felt like I didn’t really get into the book until after the first few chapters. (I also read it mostly on a road trip so that could also be the reason.)

[Ami · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well written and easy to read. Gives some good points that I will have to try out and put into practice on developing closer Christian friendships with my fellow sisters in the Lord.

[Lexi Zuo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed going through this book with a small group of ladies from my church.

[Hannah Hancock]

See my review here. https://oldoriginalthoughts.blogspot....

[Kate Mack · Rating 5 out of 5]

This small book packs a punch. Christ centred, challenging and comforting. Perfect for women’s groups or read alone. Very highly recommend!

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty basic book on friendships in the church. Lots of good reminders but just wasnt super engaging. Was happy to finish it to get to my next book 🙈

[Margie Ford · Rating 1 out of 5]

Lack of Substance

‘Fluffy’ The author does not relate outside of her own insular culture. There is a whole world of Christians out here that she seems totally unaware of.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful and practical guide for women navigating friendships within the church. This inspired much introspection and a renewed zeal to pursue my fellow sisters in Christ.

[Patricia Brignoni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

My fellow church sisters and I really benefited from this book. Great read with friends that share your christian faith.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

I read this book with my Sisterhood group, it was very insightful, compelling and scripturally accurate. One of the best books I’ve read in a long time. I highly recommend!

[Lia Ross Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book! So full of scripture, which is why it’s easily 5 stars for me. Highly recommend! It has discussion questions at the end of each chapter so it definitely would be perfect for a group study.