Have we ever encountered someone who claims they will do great things for us and they never keep any of their promises? Perhaps it was a relative, colleague, or even a friend. Usually when friends declare their love, respect and care for in return individuals expect an action to match their promises. In life the only one we can truly count on is GOD to fulfill each and every one of his promises because they are all YES, but it is very disappointing when a friend claims to love us but intentionally goes against their words to withhold kindness from us.
Relationships where people intentionally hurt us and continuously demean us are not healthy and is not what GOD wants for his children. Even in the midst of toxic friendships, GOD will work it out for our good (Romans 8:28). Be a friend whose actions speak louder than our words.
Honesty is imperative in every relationship especially friendships. When we give someone a compliment it must be an honest and genuine one. Trust, honesty and love guide friendships and compliments should be administered accordingly. When a true friend gives a compliment or rebuke one should without hesitation trust that they are providing sound counsel. Receiving correction from those we value and love can be trusted, but steer clear and ask GOD for wisdom for the person who doesn’t have our best interest in mind, only praising us and never holding us accountable. In many circumstances some people give compliments and don’t mean what they proclaim.
“Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.”
Proverbs 27:6 NIV
“Whoever rebukes a person will in the end gain favor rather than one who has a flattering tongue.”
Proverbs 28:23 NIV
Friendships like any other relationship involve sacrifice and progression. Reflection and self-analysis is key when determining our goals and views of friendship. How will we contribute to our friendships? Is this friendship for a season or lifetime? Regardless of the phase we are in, progression and sharpening each other in GOD’s word is the main target we are aiming for.
Take some time to reflect on the bonds we label as friendships and examine our role in them. If both individuals are not working towards sharpening each other, supporting each other and being in agreement with God’s purpose and assignment for each other’s lives individually and collectively it might be time to ask the Vinedresser to cut off unfruitful branches. Friendship is not something we play around with, it is a commitment. Examine our motives for relationships and follow Jesus Christ as our example.
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
Proverbs 27:17 NIV
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NIV
