Friends

Do you have a friend you can be vulnerable with, that has some wisdom to offer?

I have a hard time letting people in. Perhaps from past disappointment, or my own pride, I have struggled to show vulnerability and imperfection. I haven’t wanted to be hurt or judged. Over time, this has led to a lot of superficial relationships, but not a lot of deep connections. It filled my life with cheerleaders, but no trusted advisers. When God revealed this pattern to me, I prayed for Him to help me find a deeper connection. God was faithful and He sent me my best friend. It makes me emotional to type that because I don’t use that term lightly. I also feel grief from the years I have wasted, but hope and joy for the gift I now have. I am really grateful.

Loneliness is growing in our society, and studies show it has a direct link to social media use. Seeing everyone’s highlight reels, we may be connected, but we are not connecting. The importance of connection can be found throughout the Bible. Like me, you may have lots of acquaintances that are quick to be encouraging, telling you what you want to hear. But do you have a true friend or mentor that will speak truth in love, even when it hurts? Proverbs 27:4-6 says “Anger is cruel and fury (resentment) overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy? Better to open rebuke (correction) than hidden love. Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.” This basically means that a true friend will speak with wisdom and honesty. You can trust what they say, because they have your best interest at heart. They refuse to stay quiet, and choose to speak up, when you are headed down the wrong path.

Jesus came into the world, not so that we would feel better, but that we would be better. Like Jesus, a good friend is willing to affect your pride in the short term, for your long term well being. Has someone specifically come to mind while you read this? Do you have a friend you can be vulnerable with, that has some wisdom to offer? If so, make sure to tell them they have permission to wound you for your own good. If you don’t have someone like that, maybe consider getting involved at church by volunteering or joining a group. That is how God brought my best friend into my life. God is so faithful. He hears our prayers, and His reward is always great.