12 May

Two things: INTIMACY & INFLUENCE.

A friend is, in this context, someone with whom you share a fairly close relational proximity with. The companions in your life with whom you share your victories, defeats, your joy & your struggles. Trust is a key ingredient in this bond, you trust this/these person(s) with intimate information and you value their response/input into your life.

I love the description of David & Jonathan’s friendship – ‘the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul’! With such familiarity, it is inevitable that your friend will have an effect on you in some way or degree.

Trust and affection seem to be the gateway to influence.

Pause with me and think of those in your life who fit into this category of relationship.

In what way do the lives of these dear ones affect your life and your faith?
How do you think your actions, attitudes and words are affecting your friends and their trust (or lack thereof) in God?
As one who has been redeemed from sin + death and justified by Christ, do you keep your love and trust for Him hidden or unveiled in your friendships?
As God’s child who is being sanctified daily, do you and your friend encourage, edify and love each other or do you promote the entertainment and partaking of sin in each other’s lives?

Father, thank You for the gift of friendship. We commit these relationships into Your loving hands Lord. Please help us to refrain from idolizing these bonds and grant us discernment to realise the ways in which our affection for and trust in these ones colour our walk with You. Help us to draw boundaries where needed – with wisdom, with love. Father, help us to love, serve and always point our friends to You. Please be the foundation of our friendships.

Thank You Jesus for being the perfect best Friend to each of us.

Love You Lord.