Wednesday, August 13, 2008

That's What Friends Are For

We have to be careful not to surround ourselves with people who will not tell us the truth. Many people feel as though anyone who does not agree with them is against them. This mindset will land us in trouble. No one person has all of the answers in movement ministry. Each part of the Body supplies something that another part needs.

Our friends should do more than offer criticism. We should have balance in our relationships in which our friends love us enough to speak the truth in love. The ability to receive the truth is a subject that we must pray about. We cannot trust our friends more that we trust God.

If our relationships are God-ordained, the Lord will use our friends (and our enemies) to keep us on track. We should each choose our friends carefully. In ministry, the purpose of friendship should be understood. When are so-called friends are exhibiting traits of an enemy, then we must pray and evaluate if that season is over.

Job 6:14 (NKJV)
To him who is afflicted, kindness should be shown by his friend, even though he forsakes the fear of the Almighty.

Proverbs 17:17 (NKJV)
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

Proverbs 27:9 (NKJV)
Ointment and perfume delight the heart, and the sweetness of a man’s friend gives delight by hearty counsel

Proverbs 27:17 (NKJV)
As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NKJV)
Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. for if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up.

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