When it comes to good advice for our friendships, the Bible is packed with the stuff. In fact, I can’t help but find tips to enrich and pitfalls to avoid as I turn its pages. When Angelia (my sweet friend and the loving force behind Hope) invited me to share some of my heart for Biblical friendship with you all, it wasn’t long before we both were excited about the passage of Scripture God laid on my heart.
The way The Message translation words Romans 12:10 begs us to stop and stay awhile…and to apply the precept to our own relationships, and not just the ones we already treasure.
Practice playing second fiddle. Practice. Playing well enough to be seated as the second fiddle takes a lot of practice. I’d venture to say that it takes just as much practice as the first place gig. Favor, talent, and God-given destiny draw the dividing line. I find encouragement in that.
The more time I spend attempting to love deeply and striving to be a good friend, the more I see that the difference between me and Ms. Awesome has very little to do with my own strength and skill set. It continues to become abundantly and graciously clear that the real differences lie more in our journeys with Jesus and our seasons in life.
Practice showing genuine support and excitement for one another.
Practice encouraging others when their journeys get tough (and they will!).
Practice gratitude toward your Heavenly Father for gifting us all that we might gift one another.
Practice being the hands and feet of Jesus in your relationships—near, far, and in between!
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I think we all have wrestled with that thought. I remember so well, years ago, at a small local women's retreat - my friend prayed, my other friend sang, and so on. On my drive home I was talking to Father and saying, "God, I want to pray like so & so, I want to sing like so & so." He ever gently, but firmly, said to me, "YOU AREN'T THEM - I made you to be what I need you to be - be HER and quit striving to be like someone else." The gentle correction of a loving parent is exactly what I needed - I have never again asked Him to give me something unless it is His Jeremiah 29:11 FOR ME! Thank you for this inspiring reminder and bringing a good memory back for me. ♥
That's a great passage to pray in those times, Susan! Thank you!
I think this is such a great post! I couldn't agree more
xoxo
Thank you, Christina! Too often we tend to stop at working on our icky bouts of jealousy, but really, we've got a great gift in encouraging our friends and being happy about who they are. This Scripture won't soon leave my mind. =)
What a fabulous post, Victoria! I've been there too but you are so right. It has less to do with us than the journey our God wants us on.
Dionna, thanks so much! It really takes the pressure off to know nothing I do will change who I'm supposed to become in Christ. ♥
Enjoyed reading, Victoria!