Hello
Here’s today’s Holy Nougat
“There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.” Proverbs 18:24 NLT
Unfortunately, global statistics indicate that sexual abuse and other forms of gender based violence are more frequent in family/familiar relationships than with strangers. And while this does not mean we are going to shun family and embrace strangers only; there is cause to revisit what real friendships look like.
Loyalty, honesty, support, protection are a few phrases which come to mind readily. Of course, support and loyalty doesn’t mean slavish agreement with another even when that are wrong. Rather, it requires that we may speak the truth IN Love and be prepared to accompany them during rough moments.
As real friends we sometimes see and sense danger for our loved ones and may be obliged to warn them (against their will) or help them flee. We might even bear the brunt of of pushbacks by others who cannot find outlets for their hurt, anger or frustration. For many of us, even as people of faith, we wonder whether it is worth our while in the face of the danger or hassle.
So do we have True friends included in our intimate circles, or are we needing to reconsider our friendships? More importantly, what kind of a friend do others perceive us to be? Do their perceptions actually reflect the reality? It is not so much about the degree of intimacy or the frequency of interaction as it is the love, protection and real fellowship that makes the difference.
May our friendships be defined by Christ’s love and compassion!
In Christ’s love and grace . . .
