Christian Living

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Larry Lilly's Letter Wednesday February 25, 2009

Paul Beatty a friend of mine and a pastor in West Virginia called the other day and we talked about conferences we will both be attending and a few in which we both are speaking. Paul really likes my book, "Lasting Friendship In 30 Days" and is sending a glowing report, though he doubts that it will touch the hem of the garment of my mother's review.

During the conversation Paul mentioned a story about a white stone, one of which is mentioned by Jesus in Revelation 2:17:

"He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it."

In this passage Jesus is mentioning the emblems of His love and friendship to the overcomers, those who refuse to live by the cultural standards and live by the higher standard of Christ Himself, which by the way is a more relaxed and enjoyable lifestyle.

Paul mentioned that one account of the "White Stone" deals with two men who are friends and they cut the white stone in half, each keeping a half. In the course of time, the fathers pass on and one of the sons goes on a search for the son or others of his father's friend. In his travels he knocks on the door of a home and as the door opens he thrusts his hand through the opening and reveals the white stone. The inhabitants of the home run and get their father's stone and if the stones fit together, the traveler is welcomed as a special friend of the father, and enjoys great hospitality. A speaker supposes that the White Stone mentioned by Jesus is but another way of saying that those who receive the White Stone from Him are welcomed in heaven as a special friend of the Son.

Trinkets of friendship are interesting and often hold great personal value to the person to whom they were given. The trinkets may be of Gold, Silver, Diamonds or mere trinkets, but they are "gold" to the memory of the person.

Each or us, rich or poor, famous or unknown can and should give tokens of our friendship to those whom we befriend, tokens of non-denigrating value, such as understanding our friends peculiarities, an occasional misspeak, or something serious that should be forgiven. One man told me, "Larry, the best thing you ever did for me, was to forgive me for what I did to you and your family because I was afraid." The incident to which he referred was in fact a terrifying one and I certainly understood and forgave him long before he asked for such a thing. I am glad I had forgiven a long time before we saw each other face to face. I asked for his forgiveness for having put him in a position where such a thing could happen. Forgiving others who have hurt YOU is one of the greatest gifts you can give on this earth. Jesus practiced this kind of forgiveness. So should we who claim His name.

Larry Lilly Copyright © 2009 Use with Credit

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