The Sweetness and Blessing of Godly Friendships.
In my life, I’ve been blessed to weave bonds with extraordinary friends, our connections anchored in the unwavering faith in JESUS. Yet, amidst the beauty, some friendships proved to be mirages, their allure fading once reality set in. But herein lies the beauty of our journey with our Abba Father – nothing is wasted. Each misstep, each disappointment, serves as a lesson in discernment.
Discernment, I’ve come to learn, is the cornerstone of meaningful friendships. Often, the gentle whisper of the LORD alerts us, yet we may disregard it, enthralled by the illusion of companionship. It’s a journey, this understanding of who truly belongs in the inner sanctum of our lives. We’re tasked to invite the HOLY SPIRIT into this sacred space, to illuminate the path towards genuine connections.
Consider this: even our Savior, JESUS, curated His inner circle with purpose. So too, are we called to discern who to draw into our inner circle and whom not to. Let that truth resonate within you for a moment.
Reflecting on my journey, I can now discern the crimson flags I once overlooked. It’s akin to dancing with a scorpion, oblivious until the sting awakens us to reality. So, dear friends, what am I imparting? It’s a call to discernment, to love abundantly while exercising wisdom in choosing our confidants.
In the realm of true friendship, reciprocity reigns supreme. A one-sided bond, however well-intentioned, is destined to wither. Therefore, tend to your friendships as you would a precious garden. Nurture them, invest in them, and watch as they blossom into sources of immeasurable joy.
GOD desires us to relish life’s blessings, including the richness of genuine friendships. Why settle for anything less? Release the shackles of one-sided relationships and embrace the beauty of mutuality.
In nurturing authentic connections, we honor not only ourselves but also the divine design of companionship. So, let discernment be your guide, and may your journey be graced with the sweetness of true friendship, cultivated and cherished in the light of divine wisdom.
Furthermore, in life, friendships are the intricate threads that weave joy, support, and companionship into our existence. Yet, not all friendships are created equal. Some are fleeting, mere acquaintanceships, while others are deeply rooted in the soil of faith and divine ordination. It is in these godly friendships that we find the true sweetness and blessing that God intends for us.
Divine Ordination and Friendship
Scripture tells us that there is a time and a season for everything under heaven (Ecclesiastes 3:1). This includes the formation of friendships. When we allow the Holy Spirit to guide us, He aligns us with individuals whose presence in our lives is not just happenstance but part of God’s divine plan.
Proverbs 27:17 reminds us, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” In godly friendships, we are not only companions but also catalysts for growth and spiritual maturity. These friendships are anchored in Christ, built upon the rock that withstands the storms of life.
However, discernment is key. Without relying on the Holy Spirit for guidance, we risk forming connections that may lead us astray. Proverbs 13:20 warns us, “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.” When we seek God’s face regarding our friendships, we invite His wisdom to lead us away from harmful associations and towards those who uplift and edify us in our faith journey.
The Example of David and Jonathan
One of the most beautiful illustrations of godly friendship in the Bible is found in the bond between David and Jonathan. Their friendship transcended societal expectations and was marked by loyalty, mutual respect, and sacrificial love. Despite their challenges, their connection remained steadfast because God ordained it.
Jonathan’s selflessness and unwavering support for David, even in the face of his own father’s hostility, exemplify the depth of their friendship. Theirs was a relationship built not on convenience or circumstance, but on a shared faith and commitment to God’s purposes.
Encouraging Scriptures on Friendship
1. **Proverbs 18:24** – “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
2. **Ecclesiastes 4:9-10** – “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.”
3. **John 15:13** – “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
4. **James 4:8** – “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.”
5. **1 Thessalonians 5:11** – “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
Our Ultimate Friendship with Christ
Above all earthly relationships, we are reminded of our friendship with Christ. Jesus Himself declared in John 15:15, “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.”
In Christ, we find the truest and most faithful friend. His love is unwavering, His grace abundant, and His presence constant. As we navigate the complexities of human relationships, let us never forget the sweetness and blessing in our friendship with Him.
Conclusion
Godly friendships are a precious gift from above, ordained by the One who knows us intimately and desires our growth and flourishing. Let us cherish these relationships, seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit in discerning whom to allow close to us. May we be inspired by the example of David and Jonathan, and above all, may we find solace and joy in our friendship with Christ, who is the truest companion of our souls.
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the gift of friendships, both earthly and divine. Grant us the wisdom to discern the relationships that align with Your will and purpose for our lives. Help us to cultivate bonds that honor You and bring glory to Your name. And above all, may we never lose sight of our sweet fellowship with You, our faithful Friend and Savior.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Be Blessed
In his Presence
Ijeoma
