Choose Wisely a Friend

"Friendship is a spiritual thing. It is independent of matter or space or time. That which I love in my friend is not that which I see. What influences me in my friend is not his body, but his spirit."

John Drummond (1851-1897)

 I was reminded recently how rich it is to have godly friends. In Charles Stanley's devotion book, "Wisdom from Above," the September 27th devotion shared these words:

"It is wonderful to have a friend you can go to for counsel, who you know will be wise and discreet in the guidance he or she gives you. But before you take any recommendations from another believer, it's critical that you look at his or her life and ask, 'Is this individual living in God's will.' The last person you want to get counsel from is somebody who is actively disobeying the Father . . . A good friend will always have your spiritual well-being in mind and will keep your conversations confidential for your protection. Likewise, a godly counselor will be motivated to guide you to the truth--even when it is uncomfortable or it hurts--because he or she will want to see you break free from bondage and follow Christ in obedience. So look for people whose desire is for you to have a strong relationship with the Father so you can experience life at its best. Because that's the kind of friend whose counsel you can always trust."  

"The heartfelt counsel of a friend in as sweet as perfume and incense."

 Proverbs 27:9

I thank God for godly friends whose counsel I can trust. I'm fortunate to have a bouquet of friends, each with their own special qualities, that have enriched my life. If you have no family near by, friends stand beside you and help you, celebrate with you, pray with you, support you and become your family. And Christian friends share your faith and your heart's desire.

Are you a good friend? To have friends you must be a friend. You must make regular contact with a friend, support a friend, pray for a friend, cry with a friend, listen to a friend, help a friend, and I could go on and on. It takes time and effort to be a good friend. 

"The glory of friendship is not the out-stretched hand, nor the kindly smile nor the joy of companionship; it is the spiritual inspiration that comes to me when he discovers that someone else believes in him and is willing to trust him."

Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)

Let me suggest something I've done before. Alexandra Stoddard suggested it in Cheri Fuller's
book, "The Fragrance of Kindness."

"Sit by a crackling fire and read some of your favorite letters. While sitting there soaking up all the love and support, think of one person you love and write a beautiful, loving letter to that person. Let the flame in your hearth warm your heart. One letter in a lifetime ... to a special friend, could make a greater difference than you dare to believe."

And that one letter will settle in your friend's heart and you might hear her/him say: "I have walked on air all day since getting your letter." Vita Sackville West. And it might just change her/his life!

"Do not keep the alabaster boxes of your love and tenderness sealed up until your friends are dead. Fill their lives with sweetness. Speak approving, cheering words while their ears can hear them and while their hearts can be thrilled by them."

Henry Ward Beecher (1813-1887)