Written back in February 2007. More of a blog entry...
This beautiful song verse pretty much sums up how I feel about closer friends:
Friends are friends forever, if the Lord is the Lord of them
And a friend will not say never, cause the welcome will not end
Though it's hard to let you go
In the Father's hands I know
That a lifetime's not too long... to live as friends."
-Michael W Smith
- sniffle, always brings tears to my eyes! Dont know if I could live up to this, though??
*******
Youth "Sunday" at our church sparked my interest. Normally limited to my son and his involvement, but since he is a spectator now, he also was drawn in.
The theme was "What a friend we have in Jesus...and each other". The kids gave wonderful testimonials beneficial to all ages! I felt deeply moved and inspired. Perhaps adults should also testify of their experiences in another church service.
It was touching to hear many favorite scriptures quoted. We learned through their stories that what friends feel is not so different or out of the ordinary. God expects this!
The pastor told a stirring story about a young person that gave his life for his friends. This is not the first time I had heard of such a sacrifice. In certain cases I could see myself or others making such a sacrifice. However, I would much rather live for and with friends rather than die protecting them.
It is acceptable and pleasing in God's sight to care deeply about and love those who are not "related" to you, so to speak. We all are members of His family. A friendship based on God and His love is usually deeper, gives strength and can last a lifetime. Paul, David and Jonathan in the bible also demonstrated unconditional love and acceptance for friends. Ruth and Naomi was a wonderful story of unconditional devotion.
As for me, although my heart was weighed down for many reasons, I was still grateful I have the blessings of close friends. We all received the message well.
Christian friendships hold God's power, strength and love within them. He wants us to have these gifts He calls friends.
God Bless, friends!
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