If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Eccl. 4:10
In the Jimmy Stewart Christmas classic, It’s a Wonderful Life, we were all touched when George Bailey’s friends rallied to rescue him and his family from losing everything. Are you in a place of needing help or rescuing? Three friendships make a difference.
Friendship with God
No one has a bigger desire or capacity to help us than God. Even though He is infinitely superior and not our peer, He wants to be our friend (Jn. 15:13-17).
In college, the president of the large baking company I worked for dropped in and drank coffee with his employees after work. He became our friend.
Jesus wants to be our friend. We deepen this friendship as we listen to and follow Him.
Suggestion: Grab your favorite cup of coffee or iced tea and begin to meet with Him by reading the gospel of John. Ask Him to reveal more about Himself to you in each reading.
Friendship with Ourselves
I spoke with a man whose mistakes and regrets have caused him to dislike himself. He assumes others view him as he views himself and escapes through excess sleeping. As we talked about his personal qualities he smiled.
If we consistently need distractions or lack personal discipline, we need a better friendship with ourselves (Psalm 139:13, 14; Proverbs 15:32).
Suggestion: Create an elevator speech on the personal qualities God has crafted in you and the value you bring to another.
Friendship with Others
Deep friendships are rare but priceless (Pro. 18:24). As I coach children and adults in creating deeper friendships, I emphasize the sharing of one’s inner world as well as the outer world. Sharing myself—not just my schedule.
For example, you might ask, “What’s been a recent highlight for you?” This brings knowledge.
“Why was that a highlight?” This adds understanding.
“That reminds me of an experience of mine.” This shows empathy. When we exchange personal knowledge, understanding and empathy, we connect and take our friendship deeper.
If we can help you with any of these friendships, we’d be eager to do so. Debbie is now offering spiritual and life coaching to help women find God in their problems and purpose in their lives. She’s also finishing a writer/speaker coaching certification program so she can help those who want to write and speak. Don’t do life alone or settle for shallow friendships. You are too valuable.
If we consistently need distractions or lack personal discipline, we need a better friendship with ourselves. #friendship, #devotional Click To TweetClick here to add your thoughts.
Blessings,
Update
Rejoice with those who have found fresh faith in Christ and left the temptation of suicide.
Rejoice with couples who’ve escaped unhealthy habits and are saving their marriages.
Inspire Mom this Mother’s Day.
It’s not the size of your problem, but the size of your God.
Photo by Brooke Winters on Unsplash
Sometimes I link up with these great sites:
#Kelly Balarie & Friends, #Recharge Wednesday, #Coffee for Your Heart, #TuneinThursaday, #HeartEncouragment #Dance with Jesus, #Grace and Truth,
Debbie I love your suggestions – so practical and spot on. I find when I have a consultation with a person, just really listening, asking questions that require more than a yes or no, and being able to share so that they feel heard and understood is so critical! How much more when we are creating friendships! Wonderful post.
Ann, you are so right. Asking open-ended questions and listening opens up avenues of understanding and shows real respect and care. I know your clients appreciate that. I know I appreciate it when I feel heard and understood.
A fresh word on friendship, Debbie. Love all your tips like the elevator speech on the personal abilities God has crafted in us. And this is powerful. “Sharing myself—not just my schedule.”
Thank you, Karen. My husband is a family counselor and has found this to be effective with his clients.
We don’t always think of those categories of friendship outside of “friendship with others” so thanks for your thoroughness here, Debbie. Friendship with God and friendship with ourselves are also important!
Lisa, these came from my husband. I should have introduced them as such. He is a wise man. 🙂
I was drawn to your post from the dance with Jesus link-up because I have been writing about friendships and community of late. Thank you for your thoughts. laurensparks.net
Lauren, thanks for visiting! Glad to meet you via the internet.