Proverbs 27:17 - "Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend."
I love this word picture. Iron is strong. One piece of iron is capable of sharpening another piece of the same substance. Do I sharpen others with my words, actions, and presence?
I Thessalonians 5:11 - "Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do."
I am a recovering "Selective Edifier." I'll be honest I like edifying some people. Other people not so much. God began working in my heart to edify the "hard-to-edify" people. He, also, asked me to step away from un-edifying situations. This was the hardest thing I've ever done...but when I asked God for help, He provided a beautiful way. Honestly if you heard the particular way He worked this out, you too would have a WOW moment.
Proverbs 20:19 - "Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a simple babbler." {ESV} "He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets; therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips." {KJV}
I struggled with the "do not associate" and the "meddle not" because if I am honest, being in the know back then felt nice. Once I stepped back from the "know," I realized the beautiful gift of not meddling. It's restful. It's peaceful. If someone wants to share something with me, I count their trust as a precious gift.
Proverbs 11:13 - "A talebearer revealeth secrets; but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth a matter." {KJV} "Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered." {ESV}
I want my friendships to be a place of trust and rest and peace. I want friendships where I can ugly cry and share and know that it will stay between us.
I want to edify and build people up.
I want trust and compassion.
I want friends who are genuine.
I want non-talebearing friends.
I want a purity in friendship that is a balm.
I want Jesus radiate in and through my friendships.
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