This is my section of a devotional that I do with a friend of mine. As I was writing it I felt convicted within myself and felt that I should share. May God teach us how to be great friends:
It is a shame that we are living in times of such deep distrust that friendships are losing their power. God loves friendship; there are some great examples of beautiful friendships in the bible. Even if you feel you don’t have a friend, be a friend. Don’t take this lightly; being a friend is hard and often costly. Sometimes we have so much going on we think, I can’t be bothered, who is helping me with my own burdens? That is not the way to go, the bible lets us know that it is greater to give than to receive. Give your time and energy (this can be in prayer too, not just lengthy phone conversations) to your friends, this involves a great deal of wisdom because it is not everyone that you can give such an amazing gift to. Let God pick your closest friends, ask for discernment on who to keep close and who to let go. Love should be our default position so it is not that you will treat those who aren’t close to you with contempt, no, it’s just that there will be a select few that get a direct and unfiltered overflow of what God is pouring into you. Every other friend and acquaintance will receive God’s love through us too, just not in the same way. Don’t fall into the trap of trying to go it alone in this world, we need each other. We need God first, foremost and above all but there is power in fellowship. The bible says that it is not good for man to be alone and I believe this extends to friendship. We need people to hold us accountable when we ourselves feel like giving in, it may hurt and annoy us but if this friend is sent from God, know that you are blessed.
Proverbs 27:6 Wounds from a friend can be trusted but an enemy multiplies kisses
This verse is so simple yet so powerful. If a friend tells you something for your own good, it may hurt but it’s coming from a place of faithfulness to you. It’s coming from a place love (hopefully) and from a desire to better you. However it is unfortunate that our friends can sometimes behave like the enemy that multiplies kisses. What is meant by this is that, a person may be your friend but not want to hurt you so continue telling you lies and not checking you on what you’re doing that isn’t good. There is also another ‘friend’ who is an agent of darkness who’s only intention and purpose in your life is to bring your downfall. They will puff you up with how great you are, tell you it’s everybody else’s fault and mock you when you try to make positive changes or movements. Which friend are you? Which one of these friends do you have? It is important to look out for our friends even if they may hate us for what we say, one day they will come to their senses and know that it’s the truth. Don’t be a cheerleader and do not stand for cheerleaders in your life as close friends, be a friend, true friendship has a cost, are you willing to pay? Now don’t look at this and think ‘yes, today I’m going to tell xyz everything that is wrong with him/her whether they like it or not.’ That is not what we are advising. Everything we say must come from a place of love, so before you tell your friend the hard truth, pray it comes from a place of love. Also if a friend checks you on your behaviour, know it’s coming from a place of love (if they are a true friend). Watch out for those that will just speak negativity into your life. A friend is constructive in correcting you.
Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another and all the more as you see the day approaching
Always think of ways to help your friends with their Christian walk. Even if you aren’t asked, be an accountability partner. When they aren’t doing as good as you know they can, call them up on it and/or pray for them. Be filled up with love and good deeds yourself so that you can extend it to them and they to others. Meet up for the sole purposes of prayer, bible study and just a general chat about Christian life. This will help you and them to be encouraged to keep fighting the good fight. We all need strong people around us to encourage and support us. Be that person.
Love it!