What Friendship Means

Today…I’m gonna talk about…and really write a little different than my normal post.  I just feel compelled to say this today….. What true friendship means.

I have always been pretty outgoing. I have always been able to talk to anyone…or I always thought I could.  About fifteen twenty years ago something snapped.  I became unsure…insecure…I developed social anxiety. It took a REALLY long time to admit that to very many folks…but now…I know that sometimes…other folks just need to hear that they aren’t alone.  And I believe the Lord taught me some things through the experience….and I hope that I can do him justice and convey part of that.  Now…I don’t…and I won’t make it a habit to preach…one thing I know….God  didn’t “call” me to preach!  But I do think that sometimes he gives us all help for one another!

In high school…I discovered that girls could be a little mean.  NO…. a LOT mean.  Some could be rude…and cruel right to your face….them…I could handle.  As anyone that knew me…and still do…I would just tell you off.  It was the girls that would hug your neck and then when you weren’t around…would drive a knife right through your back…..you really had no chance to defend yourself…and sometimes you didn’t even know anything was being said at all.  I was one of the lucky ones….I didn’t have a HUGE list of friends…but the ones I did have….OH…they rocked!  I sincerely think…that they would have jumped in front of a bus for me.  I don’t think I ever told any of them what that meant to me…I went through some pretty rough patches….and THEY didn’t just bring me through….they drug me….kicking and screaming by my toenails! lol

Today…I’m a different type of person. I rarely speak to anyone that doesn’t speak to me first.  I don’t SEEK out new friends.  I still don’t have a long list of close friends…but the friends I do have…I’m pretty sure would do anything for me.  We all know that even if we don’t get to talk every day…we can pick up where we left off anytime.  I know…and I hope they do…that a phone call is all it would take to have an ear…or a favor…for ANYTHING.

I have learned over the years…that being a friend is more than someone to shop with…or pass time with.  A REAL friend…listens…supports…and raises you up.  They run to your rescue when you’re in trouble….they say upholding things when you’re not around.  There’s a saying….”If someone is gossiping with you….they will gossip about you.”  There’s a difference between venting to a friend…and just plain gossiping.  The bible refers to this as “flesh eating”.  Sounds disgusting doesn’t it?  Proverbs 18:8 NIV says: “The words of anyone who talks about others are like tasty bites of food.  They go down deep inside you.”  But think about it…that’s exactly what gossip is…taking a part of someone…literally ripping their being off of them and desecrating it…devouring it.  Not just swallowing it…but actually ENJOYING or SAVIOURING  it.  Gossip binds you…it keeps you from hearing and learning God’s intentions for you.  It gets inside you and the evil become a very part of your being.  If you are chattering about one of his children (whether they know their God’s children yet or not)…then how can you expect to hear what he is saying to you? And if you are talking about…or BEING talked about…here’s a thought.  Generally gossip rises from ONE thing…insecurity…insecurity is generally risen from fear.  Fear of not being accepted.  Even when we aren’t willing to admit it…we ALL want acceptance.  Whether it be from our friends…our family…or GOD…he mad us that way.  He gave us free will…but he put a desire in our hearts to LOVE…and be LOVED.  His ultimate desire for us…is for us to just REST in his arms…and let his Love permeate our very being. Think about it…if you look at all the commandments…they all say the same thing…LOVE ONE ANOTHER!!!…They are all wrapped in different packages…or words…but they really have the SAME meaning.  For God himself…is Love…he didn’t just think it up…he doesn’t know anything else…because he IS Love.  To know him…REALLY know him…is to know LOVE. Nuff said…I didn’t write this to preach…I wrote it because I think some folks don’t realize what gossip does to YOU…not just the person you gossip about. Not only that…but you may actually be missing out on a very dear friend….and for sure…you’re missing the opportunity to show someone compassion…an opportunity to pray for them!  What greater privilege can we have, than to visit with God…and request from him…his blessings…because when you ask for blessings for someone else…those blessings also wash you…remember….he lives in you through the Holy Ghost…so what he does….is IN you!!!! 1 Thessalonians 3:12 KJV “And the Lord make you to increase and abound in Love toward one another and toward all men, even as we (God, Jesus, & the Holy Ghost) do toward you.”

The verses here, ARE from the bible…but the rest are my opinions…and I by no means claim to be an expert…or perfect for that matter.  In fact I fight daily with my own insecurities…and downfalls….If and when I catch myself…I stop…and pray that God forgive me…and I pray that I will know and have the ability to rectify the underlying issue that might be causing the problem…

I believe that what friendship means….let God live through you IN you…and LET him work on you…after all….we are ALL sinners…and we ALL fall short of the glory of GOD….but he’s not through with us yet…. What is he working on in you?

Have a WONDERFUL day!

Love Y’all!