“A friend LOVES at all times” – Proverbs 17:17
FRIEND
A word that comes and goes, but few people really know what it means to really love somebody…
This Kirk Franklin songs comes to mind – the words ring true even with my own personal experiences. I have had the pleasure of gaining many “FRIENDS” in my lifetime. Being an only child has both its rewards and difficulties. My cousins were my sisters and brothers. Yet, as I began my childhood voyage of starting school, extracurricular activities and church events – I developed a knack with the friendship building skill.
I learned both good and bad things early on. Like I told a secret when I was 5 that I wasn’t supposed to tell that hurt my friend. I then had a secret of mine told which gave me a front seat to the behavior I had not yet learned. This experience showed me firsthand the reason why it caused my friend so much pain. Valuable lesson learned. I invited people into circles that weren’t necessarily invited by others. This experience taught me that there was a bond between friends that held a certain chemistry that is somehow broken by difficult people brought into the fold (still learning this lesson – pray my strength). These are just a few lessons. Trust me I have a list that I have developed over the years. Yeah – I have had it all. Yes, as I grow and mature in wisdom and knowledge of people and relationships in my life, I am very proud to say that I have a network of friends that I LOVE.
Christ gives us the meaning and several examples of LOVE. 1 Corinthians 13 is the LOVE chapter. When I read that chapter something just resonates in my spirit causing me to do a self inventory check. We all have to understand that there are different meanings behind the variations of love that I don’t have the time to go into each one today. But we will have some time in the near future.
One other important lesson I learned early while growing up that has rested in the forefront of my mind is that you can’t give your love to everyone! It is something very special and very valuable. Love involves work from all parties involved and something that should never ever EVER be taken for granted.
My group of friends have given me so much LOVE in my life – I want take this time to share 10 bits and pieces of what I have received in the short list below with you:
My friends…
Encourage me – 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up…
Respect me – 1 Peter 2:17 Show proper respect to everyone…
Include me – 1 Ephesians 1:13 And you were also included in Christ when you heard the message of truth…
Protect me – Psalm 25:21 – May integrity and uprightness protect me…
Laugh with me – Psalm 126:2 Our mouths were filled with laughter…
Cry with me – Proverbs 21:13 Whoeover shuts their ears to the cry of the poor will also cry out and not be answered…
Expose me to great things – 1 Corinthians 4:5 He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart…
Teach me how to handle life – Proverbs 13:14 The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life…
Give me a safe place to share – Proverbs 28:26 Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe…
Give me so much LAUGHTER I can’t even stand it – Job 8:21 He will fill your mouth with laughter and our lips with shouts of joy…
Yesterday, me and my group of friends met for a special meeting. We took a break, enjoyed Bible Study and concluded the evening with love. I love this group so much (more than they will ever know) because they have shown me so much love, support and genuineness that one can only be so blessed to experience in a lifetime. When I think about them, I am reminded how each of them give me something different. Yet, the chemistry of our group meshes together like the best home cooked meal ever tasted. You know the one that if any one of those dishes are missing you immediately say…”Where’s the…” We talk often, get together regularly, while supporting and encouraging each other daily. The love I have for them runs DEEP! And the funny thing is, I’m confident knowing they feel the same.
Have you ever loved someone? Most people are afraid of love due to the many experiences they may have had that didn’t turn out right. Or, the ones that left them broken, shattered and afraid. I have had some of those too. The thing is, because I know that LOVE is a gift from God I pray that He heals the pain that has been caused so that I can LOVE unconditionally just like He does for me.
Are you willing to open yourself up to love? Have any friends you love to be with where you can just be yourself? I would love to hear from you regarding your experience. Or, when you have some time, get that journal out and journal about LOVE. Better yet – let’s do it together…let’s Journal the Journey and be open to where it will lead.
Be blessed
Kenetha
