A Friend Indeed...

Well, as I said yesterday, it's been a loooong time since I blogged. Part of the reason has to do with finishing up a second Master's degree (this one in Counseling). Now with three degrees; A Bachelors in Music, a Master's in Christian Ministry and a Master's in Counseling I feel even more inadequate than ever to be able to blog.


I guess it's true what someone once said that the more you learn the more you realize what you don't know. Anyway...


This Sunday we are celebrating "Friend Sunday" This is a time that we are encouraged to invite friends and acquaintances to join in our community of faith and draw near to God as we draw near to each other. As I was having my quiet time this morning I read in Proverbs 27:9 "Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of one's friend springs from his earnest counsel."(NIV)


Friends are an important part of our lives. God created us for relationships and friends are part of that purpose. We need friends! But sometimes in our world it's difficult to make "real" friendships. We struggle with issues of trust and vulnerability because many of us have suffered some form of betrayal in the past from a supposed trusted friend.


In Proverbs 27:5-6 it states, "Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses." (NIV) Garrett comments about these verses, "A true friend gives time and attention (v. 5) but is not always flattering (v. 6). In addition to a common catchword, both verses concern the nature of genuine friendship. Verse 5 especially points to the need for communication and interaction among people; few things are worse than being ignored, and the studied avoidance of honest contact destroys any relationship...One must distinguish between salutary rebukes that spring from honest love and hollow displays of affection where no true love exists. The two verse together advise that in any relationship, an open exchange of honest and caring communications is essential."


Let's strive to be true friends with those whom God has placed in our path...Be a Friend today and everyday...Invite a Friend to come be a part of the Family @ First this Sunday...See You then! Bro. Alan