The Power of Godly Friendship

     Since this is my first blog, I would like to dedicate it to a special friend whose encouragement, prayers, and support are worth their weight in gold.  She has challenged me to stretch for the stars and believe with God all things are possible, her name is Shawn Boreta.

The Power of Godly Friendship

     George Eliot said, “Oh, the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person; having neither to weigh thoughts nor measure words, but to pour them all out, just as they are, chaff and grain together, knowing that a faithful hand will take and sift them, keep what is worth keeping, and then, with the breath of kindness, blow the rest away.”

      Friendship is one of God’s greatest treasures while here on earth, especially if both parties belong to God for it will be eternal.  What a comfort to have someone in your life that challenges you, believes in you, and sees your potential.  Regardless of what the past has done, a true friend loves at all times.  My friendship with Shawn developed through a desire we both longed for the salvation of our husbands.  Although my husband just recently rededicated his life to Christ, we are still believing and trusting for Shawn’s.  Besides this desire, we share a passion for the Word of God, ministering to others, and to honor God with our lives.  This passion ties our hearts to the One we credit for it all-Jesus Christ.

     Many people desire to seek counsel for their lives but neglect the Word of God which instructs for every aspect of life.  No matter what the subject, God’s Word supplies the answers.  As Christians, we need to be very careful who we seek counsel from about our personal problems.  According to Psalm 1:1, “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.” As Christians, I don’t believe we should seek counsel from those who don’t know God.  What does light and darkness have in common?  We have absolutely nothing in common, so we can’t gain a godly knowledge to direct our steps. (II Corinthians 6:14)  If we desire a godly life, we need to have friendships that will encourage our walk, prayer for guidance, and loving rebukes as necessary.  Now before someone throws a shoe at the computer monitor, I am not saying we can’t have friends with those who are ungodly but they shouldn’t be our best friends.  People come to the saving knowledge of Christ because of someone’s willingness to invest the truth, love them, and live it before them.

     A friend loves at all times. (Proverbs 17:17)  A friend prays for you. (Job 42:10)  A friend rebukes you when it’s necessary. (Proverbs 27:6)  A true friend will support you even if your family doesn’t. (Proverbs 18:24)  Who does this sound like?  It reminds me of the story of David and Jonathan whose friendship was tested severely.  Although Jonathan’s father desired David’s death, Jonathan protected David’s life.  He didn’t allow any harm to diminish David’s character, his name, or his friendship.  What a true friend?  Are you this kind of friend?  If not, what can you do to make it better?  I challenge you to become the friend you need in your life.  Maybe it’s time to pick up the phone or write a letter to express your appreciation to your best friend.  It’s never too late, you just pick up where you left off.