“FRIENDS”

MeMaw Thoughts
Number 463
February 11, 2020///

We are created for fellowship, communication, and sharing with others. Relationships are important and the greatest relationship is with our Creator God through Jesus Christ.

We are created to interact with each other and even though we need some alone time and time in the presences of God, if we isolate ourselves completely from others, we soon become a recluse and think only of ourselves and our needs or lack.

However, the sad thing is that we can be all alone in a crowd of people. We may work on a job, go to a gym, or attend a church and still feel alone and withdraw within ourselves.

We may look around at those who are really connecting and think that we would like to be able to do that but just cannot.

Maybe we are shy, maybe we are self-conscience about our looks, where we came from, our family or our status in life.

Maybe we have been hurt by people so much that we have built a wall around our heart and will not get past a surface greeting or simple answer to a question.

Or maybe on the other hand you are one of the outgoing, laughing people who appear to have it together yet on the inside you are hurting and can never truly share who you are.

Or maybe you are open and friendly and share your heart with others. Maybe you are part of the group at your work or church who are close and connected.

If you are one of the open ones may I encourage you to look around when you are with others and take care to reach out to those who either are alone or not really joining in, or seem to be happy but it is not real.

Jesus saw the real person and the Holy Spirit in you can reveal the real person if you listen to His still small voice.

The Bible, which is the written Word of the Living God and quickens our innermost being as we read it with the intention of hearing it, has wisdom for each of our lives no matter what category of fellowship you find yourself in!

Proverbs 18:24 (KJV)
A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

The key here is to allow yourself to reach out and begin to converse or even smile and connect with someone else. Take that first hard step and be the one to greet someone else in sincerity and caring.

Understand it is not all about you but about spreading the Love of Jesus that should be flowing from you.

We can risk putting ourselves out there to others because we can take hold of the later part of that scripture that we have friend that sticks closer than a brother.

That friend, Jesus Christ, will invade all the hurt places of our lives, listen to all our complaints and joys and never tire of our company! That friend allows us to love others in the right way!

A couple of lines from an old gospel song says it clearly:                                                                                                                    “I am loved, I am loved, I can risk loving you. For the one who knows me best loves me most!”

We can be so confident in His love that we risk loving the unlovable and risk being hurt by stepping out to be a real friend!

Proverbs 17:17A (KJV)
A friend loveth at all times,

To those who have no trouble talking and sharing thoughts and cares with others consider this scripture:

Galatians 6:2 (KJV)
Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

Asks the Holy Spirit to keep you aware of those around you and prompt you to ask the right questions and draw out all the cares and concerns they have hidden deep within.

Are we willing to be Jesus with skin on and communicate such love to those who are hurting that walls crumble and fortresses of protection are broken down!

Jesus is our example and Jesus loved people and reached out and touched the untouchable, the outcast and the prominent leaders.

There is no one whom Jesus cannot touch, change and restore if we will be his hand extended.

Are you lonely? Step out and be a friend!!
Are you outgoing and open? Reach out to those who need a friend!!
___________________________________________________
Father, in Jesus name I ask you to touch each person who reads this with the knowledge that we were created to interact with others and with you! May we be aware to see others the way you see them and may each of us truly be your representative, here on this earth that you created! Love through us, touch through us and live through us! Amen

Be a real friend! Love, MeMaw!!