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Let me share an illustration. I am thinking this would help make people better understand what I am trying to point out. Let's dive in!
Let's take it all the way back to the teenage years. For the ladies and for the gentleman too. Let's say you are getting ready to go to a party. I mean this is like the biggest party of your senior year!
OK let's say for example if you are a lady and you are over at your best friend's house. You two wanted to get ready together. You girls had no idea what the other was going to wear that night. When you ladies Dressed up you both had really nice outfits.
However, one of the friend's outfit was a little much. I mean the girl's skirt was so short! The other girl totally could have said something, to save her from getting embarrassed. You know, instead of being labeled the slut of the school year. But, she didn't....
Now, the boys turn. They too are getting ready. One of the boys had a really goofy looking outfit on. The friend told him, " Dude what are you wearing! If you were that you will be the lapping stock of the whole class!" Then, he pulled out an extra shirt he had. He gave it to his friend. He said, "Here, wear this."
Before I continue let me 1st clarify this. The gender roles could definitely have been reversed. Meaning it could have been the girls that were honest with one another. It could have been that one of the boys had toilet paper sticking out of his pants and the other guy never said anything.
Now, why didn't the one girl say anything to her friend to save her from embarrassment? Perhaps, it was because they were already running late to the party? Why was the one boy nice enough to say something to his friend and give him extra clothes that would make him better dressed for the party.
Folks, one of the people that was with the other person was a true friend. I am thinking about this. Putting aside our own interests and thinking and caring about others' interests and putting them ahead of ourselves.
Yeah, that's what I'm thinking. BUT, is that what I always do? To that I say a big fat no! Is that what I always should do? And, to that I say a big fat Yes!
What about you guys? Is that how you feel too?
Pastor Greg said, "Someone has said that a true friend stabs you in the front, not in the back. We all need friends who will tell us the truth." I totally agree! How do you feel?
I am thinking that your best friend carries that job. I mean of telling you the truth. Even if it hurts.
Personally, I would say I have close and dear friends. They know me pretty well. Like, maybe there would be times when I wouldn't talk to my friend for months or years. But, when we finally talk the conversation is so comfortable. It is as if we've been talking every day.
Like I said. These girls I'm thinkig about are definitely close friends. However, not a true best friend. That title belongs to my husband. He knows everything about me. The one I'm with from
the time I wake up till I close my
yes and go to sleep for the night.
What comes to mind is friendship with God. Pastor Greg made some really good points. He said, "God (He’s) always there, ready to communicate with us, because friends like to spend time with each other. And He will always tell us the truth because He loves us. He’s always in our corner." Friend, how about you? Are you friend of God?
James 2:23
And the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was called a friend of God.
John 15:13
Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends
Israel Houghton: Friend of God
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