Friendship Equals Loyalty
I never cease to be amazed by people. I even amaze myself sometimes. Ha! I don't mean that in a cocky way, but I do surprise myself quite often. Whereas I think I am a pretty good guy, Satan tempts and I so often fall. So before I write this BLOG about being mistreated, don't misunderstand me to say that I am above anyone in this matter.
Have you ever heard the saying, "He really stabbed me in the back." The phrase has several ideas in mind. There is obviously pain involved. Being stabbed physically or with words has got to hurt. There is also the word "gutless" that comes to mind. After all, it's bad enough to stab someone, but in the back? Come on, that is gutless.
The feeling that I felt today was not a physical stabbing, but the feeling of disloyalty in friendships. Snubbed by those I thought loved me. Shunned by people who believe in the same Jesus I do. Treated as an outcast by people I once respected as real Christians. Even more sad is the fact that this treatment has been done for no spoken reason. Oh, I think I know why, but there has never been any discussion. "Gutless snubbers" seldom express there reasons for snubbing.
Friendship is truly about loyalty. Solomon writes, (Proverbs 18:24 NCV) "Some friends may ruin you, but a real friend will be more loyal than a brother." A REAL FRIEND, now there's a wonderful concept. Real friends will be there for you. Even when you are wrong REAL FRIENDS stand by you. They don't even have to agree with or support your views, but a REAL FRIEND is loyal. Yes, there are even times when a REAL FRIEND has to correct and rebuke us. But, when a person is a REAL FRIEND that is done in love.
I want to surround myself with real friends--those who will sit with me because they love me--those who will be strong enough in Jesus that they will talk to me about my wrongs--those who will love me in spite of the flaws I have. For that is the way God loves me--worts and all. Let us all share that kind of love with one another.
Have you ever heard the saying, "He really stabbed me in the back." The phrase has several ideas in mind. There is obviously pain involved. Being stabbed physically or with words has got to hurt. There is also the word "gutless" that comes to mind. After all, it's bad enough to stab someone, but in the back? Come on, that is gutless.
The feeling that I felt today was not a physical stabbing, but the feeling of disloyalty in friendships. Snubbed by those I thought loved me. Shunned by people who believe in the same Jesus I do. Treated as an outcast by people I once respected as real Christians. Even more sad is the fact that this treatment has been done for no spoken reason. Oh, I think I know why, but there has never been any discussion. "Gutless snubbers" seldom express there reasons for snubbing.
Friendship is truly about loyalty. Solomon writes, (Proverbs 18:24 NCV) "Some friends may ruin you, but a real friend will be more loyal than a brother." A REAL FRIEND, now there's a wonderful concept. Real friends will be there for you. Even when you are wrong REAL FRIENDS stand by you. They don't even have to agree with or support your views, but a REAL FRIEND is loyal. Yes, there are even times when a REAL FRIEND has to correct and rebuke us. But, when a person is a REAL FRIEND that is done in love.
I want to surround myself with real friends--those who will sit with me because they love me--those who will be strong enough in Jesus that they will talk to me about my wrongs--those who will love me in spite of the flaws I have. For that is the way God loves me--worts and all. Let us all share that kind of love with one another.
posted by Keith Davis at
5:24 PM
2 Comments:
Keith,
I know how you feel. It can be startling to see those we respected and cared for in the past choose to follow something other than LOVE. Remember when Jesus said "Here are my mother and my brothers." Matt 12:46-50? Even his family was questioning his actions. I used to get bitter about this but realized that is Satan's goal. If we are fighting, what time do we have to reach those who need LOVE? Don't throw your pearls to the swine. Let them waller in their own mud. God is doing great things through you!
In Him,
Drew
By
Anonymous, at 9:49 AM
Good Point Keith. If it were not for our friends and family at Creekside Swindlewoman and I would not be where we are now spiritually. Love all of you
Swindleman
By
Anonymous, at 10:09 AM
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