Do You Really Know?
Have you ever said to someone at a time of crisis “I know
exactly how you feel?” What a foolish
statement, and yes, I have said it many times.
But we cannot know exactly how anyone else feels because we are each so
wonderfully and mysteriously designed and our environmental circumstances are
so different that we can never be “exactly the same.”
It has taken me many years to understand that I can
empathize with a friend without knowing ‘exactly’ how they feel. In recent years I have had the joy of getting
to know two wonderful women who have become very dear friends. The depth of our friendship is demonstrated
in various forms from buddies, allies, confidents, encouragers and yes,
chastisers. They challenge me when I’m
wrong and encourage me when I’m down.
I credit the strength of our friendship to our spiritual
bond. I can’t expect them to know “exactly
how I feel;" however, they know the One who does, Jesus, and they talk to Him
on my behalf.
Jesus wants to be our friend; but we must pursue Him. Developing a trusting friendship takes time,
and the best time you will ever spend is your time in God’s Word. The more you know about God and His Son, the greater
friendship you will feel toward Jesus.
Jesus not only knows exactly how we feel, His love can help us through
any experience. Start now and cultivate
the greatest friendship of your lifetime.
The following Hymn was written in 1898 – some of you may be able to
sing it.
o Refrain:
Friendship with Jesus!
Fellowship divine!
Oh, what blessed, sweet communion!
Jesus is a Friend of mine.
2. A Friend when other friendships cease,
A Friend when others fail,
A Friend who gives me joy and peace,
A Friend when foes assail!
3. A Friend when sickness lays me low,
A Friend when death draws near,
A Friend as through the vale I go,
A Friend to help and cheer!
4. A Friend when life’s short race is o’er
A Friend when earth is past,
A Friend to meet on Heaven’s shore,
A Friend when home at last!
John 15:15
I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn't
confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything
the Father told me.
Proverbs 18:24
There are "friends" who destroy each other, But a real friend sticks closer than a brother. NLT
No comments:
Post a Comment