Look Over Your ShoulderSee Someone You Know? How many of us really think before we speak? Or, do we speak first and think later after damage has been done? Do we glance back at our victims to see the staves we've placed in their hearts leaving them wounded, hurt, destroyed? On a scale of one to ten, what number would represent how many times we've misused, abused someone we called friend. Disregarded their love, time, patience; those valuable things you can't buy with money. Many of us have never taken into account what power our hurtful, devious, abusive words have much less our selfish callous actions. As an abused child and adult I remember days of longing for one true friend. Someone I could share secrets with, cry together, laugh at each others jokes. Tell about the cruelties I'd suffered. Yet those who've been blessed to have these special people in their lives cast them off as though they were nothing more than a cool breeze on an early autumn morning. In trade, they replace them for a similar replica.
Unfortunately, we as humans can be unkind, unethical, critical, dishonest, quarrelsome and bitter. Many justify this irrational behavior with the non-logical theory, "bit dogs bite" only to find out they've destroyed one of the greatest assets in their lives. King David describes his relationship with his friend in Psalm 41:9 as the one who ate his bread, but his friend soon lifted up his heel against him. Suddenly became hostile, deceiving, two-faced (insincere).
Christ acknowledged the disciples as His friends, and they loved and honored Him. So much so, they grieved within their hearts when He announced His departure. Even the Bible tells us how to obtain friendship (Proverbs 18:24 ). It's something to be respected, cherished, and honored. In marital relationships it's exemplified between husbands and wives. The known creation of it began in the garden when God created Eve for Adam. However, our hearts can quickly hastened back to the nature of the old man.
Most of Christ's ill treatment came from those who were religious. Today, most of our ill treatment come from those who we fellowship with and break the same bread David spoke of. One man said that his outlook on how he treated his friends changed during his illness. He described his true friends as those who were not afraid to take the risk of loving even in the difficult times. Friends are not frightened to feel the pain of others. Instead, they append it to them in hopes of helping their friend. Through that a valuable intimacy is created; one which can never be broken.
Jesus said, "Greater love has no one than this that he lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13). How many are willing to do that today? In its place, are we allowing ourselves to be still controlled by the old nature, deleting the new creature in Christ Jesus? Where are we when our friends need encouragement? Jonathan encouraged David to find strength. His very presence when he went out to David at Horesh provided support. He helped him with his vision; instead of taking away from it God's glory.
Friends like Jonathan to David are not common and we must not forget them. It's so sad that in our times today friendship is proverbially a frail thing. We have them in our summers, and they're gone when the damps of autumn begins. If you have a faithful friend, grapple them to your side with hooks of steel never letting them go. If you've wronged someone, look back over your shoulder, lay your gift at the altar and repent. Afterwards, while you're embracing them with love, let them know they would be hard to replace.
Deborah H. Branch, a native of Philadelphia, PA is a Cutting-Edge writer of Nonfiction, Fiction, and Poetry. Through her sufferings of abuse, she acquired a desire to communicate in general the importance of forgiveness, and allowing God to heal your inner wounds.
She's won first place for the Barnes and Noble Short Story Contest, and by God’s grace, she’s been blessed to have more than several of her inspirational articles published.
With the help of her agent, Deborah’s now currently working on her nonfiction manuscript titled "Through the Eyes of Abuse" for publication.
She loves teaching and helping others to find strength through the word of God. An Elder in the ministry where she attends, Deborah is also mother of two adult daughters, and Mom-Mom to three handsome grandsons.She and her husband reside in Atlanta, Georgia.
Hi Deborah, great job on this article. I love how you said a true friend is someone who is not afraid to enter into pain. What a powerful testimony to true friendship. Thank you for sharing these thoughts and reminding us to right the wrongs we have done. Lord Bless you! Teresa
» left by Deborah Powell from Jonesboro, GA (93 days 9 hours ago.)
This was a very touching article. This article makes you take a closer look at those whom we title friend. It makes you examine yourself to see if you are taking your friends for granted or, maybe your friends have taken you for granted.
Deborah this article is so precious. Keep on writing.
Thank you so much Deborah Powell. It is important to once again glance over our motives and see how they really appear to God. Please keep viewing the site. There are so many more talented authors here who have much to invest.
» left by Gerald Black from Fayetteville, GA (92 days 14 hours ago.)
Hello Sis,
Elder G. here.
Thank you for allowing God (Father of our Lord Jesus Christ) to use you in your writing. It seems that very few people value friendship any more. Thank you for the light that you shed on that which is taken for granted. Simple yet profound by the "unction" of the Spirit. Be blessed by the measure you have given, served, and enlightened.
Elder G, I'm so glad you were blessed by the article. It only takes a drop of love, and a pinch of care to be a "real true friend." To some, even that's asking too much.
Hi Deborah! I love that saying! A drop of love and a pinch of care!! Again, good job. And may God continue to use you as you are willing to be an open vessel for His use. Love, Teresa
Good article Deborah! I like the way you focus on Christ and us becoming Christlike. I agree with what you wrote about human nature. The greatest commandment is love. I want to show love and hold on to my friends like Christ has loved me. God bless
God Bless You Michelle! I'm really happy you enjoined the article. It was from the sincerity of my heart. So often we step right over those God has placed in our lives. But, I'm sure the loving-kindness you desire to show your friends has already been demonstrated.
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