Friendship

18 June: Tuesday Refocus

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“Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.” - Proverbs 27:6

Every person has been wounded in relationship. This is a part of life in a fallen world: necessary things intended for our good and flourishing have been distorted and warped by sin. I believe it is not the wound of a friend that leaves a scar, but the unwillingness to be so committed to those we love that we are willing to speak the truth in love and walk alongside one another for the long haul that leaves us grieved and groaning.

Faithful are the wounds of a friend. Faithful.

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.” John 15:12-15

Father, in your grace, would you make us the kinds of friends who are faithful in our wounds, amen.

Amen,

AB

11 June: Tuesday Refocus

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“The friendship of the LORD is for those who fear him, and he makes known to them his covenant.” - Psalm 25:14

Fear may not seem like a solid foundation for friendship, but Scripture tells us: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.” Proverbs 9:10

In the original Hebrew, this text reads, “The secret of the LORD is for those who fear him…” To be friends - to know him deeply, and intimately - is to rightly recognize, to stand in awe of who He is and what He has done. To see that, “Our God is in the heaven; he does all that he pleases.” Psalm 115:3

But this is not a one-way friendship: God makes known His covenant to those who fear Him. He makes known His heart and character, He makes Himself known.

Father, thank you for all the ways you have revealed yourself. May we see and fear you rightly, and walk closely with you, in Christ’s name, amen.

Amen,

AB