FAITHFUL (HONEST) FRIENDS
Jenna Worsham
Today’s Scripture: “Faithful are the wounds of a friend;
profuse are the kisses of an enemy.” Proverbs 27:6, ESV
Theme: We often surround ourselves with people who tell us what we want to hear. We need to be able to hear and share the truth, spoken in love.
FLATTERY FOR PROFIT
Someone who wants me to buy clothing may tell me it looks great (even if it doesn’t). Someone who wants me to volunteer at their event may compliment my unusual talent. The boss may compliment my work ethic or quality of work when he needs me to stay after hours. “You can rest or honor God on any other day,” friends or an employer may say when they want me to join in their plans on a day I set aside for God. Your food choices won’t matter for just one day. Forget that commitment. Your viewing choices aren’t compromised by just one show. Watch with me! Some people tell me what I want to hear, so that I will: volunteer, work long hours, sacrifice my sabbath, or go along with their ideas.
Kiss ups, those who give false compliments, make false claims, or try to curry favor – are fake. An enemy who flatters won't be loyal. Fair weather friends are the kind that will stab you in the back. Watch out for flattery: “For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naïve” (Romans 16:18, ESV).
GOOD INFORMATION
It’s not bad when our friends are kind, encouraging, and uplifting most of the time. However, we need to know our friends will gently tell us the truth when we need to hear it.
I sat in front of a fellow cyclist for spin class after completing a training swim in an old triathlon suit. After the class my friend quietly whispered that the black material on the back of my suit was getting really thin. I threw on a sweatshirt, pulled it low and replaced the suit before the next class. I’m glad my friend was honest and discrete.
I used to work for Pastor Josh Miller – now at Cove City Church. I worry, sometimes about the wrong things. I apologize, sometimes too frequently. One day while I was apologizing, Josh stopped me and gently said “It’s not a sin, Jenna.” I don’t remember what happened next, but I do remember the freedom that one phrase gave me – for myself and my expectations of others. God began to teach me what things did need to change in my life and show me how many things I didn’t need to worry about anymore.
YOU BECOME YOUR PEOPLE
While I don’t want to surround myself with “yes men” I do want to surround myself with people who I’d like to be more like in one way or another. Surround yourself with people who remind you of Jesus. Be a person who reminds others of Jesus – whenever possible.
Make It Personal: What kind of people surround you? Do they tell you hard things, gently? If you never hear any criticism, consider why that might be. If you are overly criticized, consider why that might be.
Pray: Dear Father, Help me to surround myself with loyal friends who build me up and tell me hard truths when necessary. Please give me the wisdom and understanding to love and appreciate those good friends. You are a good friend, and You always reveal truth to me in the kindest way. Please give me wisdom to go and do likewise for my friends. Amen.
Read: Psalm 12:1-3; Ephesians 4:15; Daniel 11:32
Weekly Memory Verse: Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV)