Christian Living

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Friend or Fiend

She went to bed that night with a heaviness in her heart . A turn of events starting with an insincere world , a cold gesture of unkindness and a sad display of Christian love. If only I had a friend . Someone to talk to , someone’s shoulder to lean on and someone to rid the insincerity with kindness. A gentle prayer whispered to heaven , Oh Lord , give me a friend. God in his magnificence heard and answered that prayer. That very night , friendship was birthed in the throne room of God and God brought people from different parts of life’s circle and intertwined their lives that it will never be the same again. He gave them someone to talk too , someone to call any time , day or night and one would know that on the other side was the voice of an ally .

This is called your circle of friends . God sends individuals your way to leave a heart print of friendship . To be called a friend of God is to be treasured, but to be a friend of God is indescribable. Since God is mindful of us and treats us as valued friends , we in turn should also become , treasured and indescribable friends to all those around us. How can we say to God that we love him when we are unable to love those who we see. No man had greater love than he , who would lay down his life for another. Enoch and Abraham walked closely with God and had divine favour over their lives . God values friendship and in his divine glory shows us the characteristics of a true friend.

Jesus considered Lazarus a friend and went to Bethany after he got news of his death. We may not be able to resurrect physically people from the dead but we have the ability to resurrect dead emotions in the lives of those that have no hope . The church at present should be the largest circle of friends you have , a circle of unconditional love and unity. A circle that provides hope , love and light heartedness. Being opened and honest about one’s feelings is the epitome of human relationships . However many so called “true friends” with loose tongues have left individuals feeling betrayed , lost and broken.

Words chosen wisely are fine morsels , delicate and soothing and able to deliver peace in troubled times. Being called a friend is a tall order , not something you can do lightly or even half heartedly . I would not call one , my friend if they in turn can not call me friend.

Proverb 27 vs 9 (NLT)
The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense

Friendship is not a pagan concept and is richly mentioned by the greatest of our bible heroes. Even David found a friend in Saul’s son Johnathan . However great responsibility lies within the heart of a true friend. The responsibility of having one more person’s heart to consider . Friend or Fiend , one can either display true love or true selfishness.
The world is hurting and this hurt is being passed into the church . We leave wounds bleeding rather than healing . We discriminate with our actions and deeds rather than extend open arms to receive. Worship is also described as a sweet aroma of incense to the Lord just as the heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as incense. True friendship in Christ has the sweet aroma of worship. Where one is able to serve another for no gain . As iron sharpens iron,so a friend sharpens a friend.

People have placed such emphasis on friendship that it can actually lessen a burden , lighten a situation and increase one’s joy. Be a true friend , just as Christ is . Be genuine in your concern and transparent with your actions . Walk a mile in another’s shoe before evaluating the other’s walk. Care enough to cry and love enough to laugh . Friendship is not expensive but carries a dear cost . Reach out with God’s love . Many in this world may be blinded to Christ’s love so be the mirror of his love . Reflect the greatest friend . In giving , we are recipients and in blessing , we are blessed.

Friend or Fiend . One letter alters the meaning . Be the alteration in someone else’s life.

Prayer Thought

Dear Lord , let me be considerate and caring to those around me. Open up the eyes of my heart that your glory may be revealed through me as I choose this day to be a friend of God and friend to the lost. Holy Spirit , quicken me to be kind to the angry and loving to the broken hearted . Grant me abundant patience and grace to be a loyal and trustworthy friend. In Jesus name , Amen

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