THE IMPORTANCE OF TRUE CHRISTIAN FRIENDS WITHIN THE HEALING PROCESS

                                                     FROM PAIN TO PEACE

     THE IMPORTANCE OF TRUE CHRISTIAN FRIENDS WITHIN THE HEALING PROCESS

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, 12 (NCV) " Two people are better than one, because they get more done by working together. If one falls down the other can help him up."

12 "An enemy might defeat one person but two people together can defend themselves a rope that is woven of three strings is hard to break"

How can we recognize potential friendship? Signs include a mutual desire for companionship and perhaps a common bond of some kind. Beyond that, genuine friendship involves a shared sense of caring and concern, a desire to see one another grow and develop, and a hope for each other to succeed in all aspects of life. True friendship involves action: doing something for someone else while expecting nothing in return; sharing thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment or negative criticism.

Real friendship looks at the heart, not just the "packaging." Genuine friendship loves for love's sake, not just for what it can get in return. True friendship is both challenging and exciting. It risks, it overlooks faults, and it loves unconditionally, but it also involves being truthful, even though it may hurt. We have such a true example of friendship through Jesus Christ - unconditional, by our side through "thick and thin", loving us and challenging us to be a better person everyday.

MY CHALLENGE TODAY (CAN BE YOURS TOO)

1) Reflect on "How do I define friendship?" - what things do you see a "good, true" friend do? When you try to be "there" for a true friend, what is your "mindset" or your "heartset" towards that person?

2) Show and tell your friend how much you care, love and respect them for "being there" and that you will be by their side through "thick and thin", praying, celebrating, comforting. And show them :)every chance you get


FATHER GOD - THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR PUTTING FRIENDS IN OUR LIVES TO SHOW THE UNCONDITIONAL LOVE THAT WE ALSO RECEIVE FROM YOU. PLEASE HELP US TO "GET OUT OF OURSELVES" AND HELPING THOSE WHO HELP US THROUGH SUPPORT, ENCOURAGEMENT AND LOVE. YOU DESIGNED US NOT TO BE ALONE BUT TO BE WITH EACH OTHER, ENCOURAGING EACH OTHER TO REFLECT YOUR EXAMPLE IN EVERYTHING WE DO. AMEN