Tonight I was talking to a close friend of mine and he pointed out some home truths to me about myself. They are things I’ve known about myself but I don’t like. And to hear him articulate them was rather unsettling and a little scary.
It made me realise- after leading a Bible study tonight on the subject of 'thankfulness'- that trustworthy friends are something to be cherished. Having a friend who is courageous enough to point out things that no one else does is a thing to be treasured.
At first I just wanted to cut the conversation short and hang up. But then I realised ‘this is actually really good for me.’ I really valued my friend’s honesty tonight. The wounds of a faithful friend are precious. The hard part was letting my friend inside to say things to me that no one else can, when deep down inside, I was really quite terrified. But I can only grow and move forward in my relationship with Christ now.
I know that this friend accepts me for who I am- a fallen human being in Christ. But thank God that I am raised up with Christ and seated with him in the heavenly realms. I know I’m not perfect yet…but I’m getting there…and one day I will be what I am not now. In the meantime, I’m sure my friend will point out more of my faults. But I know he doesn’t judge me. He only means me good, not harm, even though it hurts. The way I look at it is, if your friends can’t and don’t help you grow in Christ, who will?
A couple of things have happened recently that have made me wonder a few thing about myself. If I run them by you will you be honest with me sometime, Missy?
ReplyDeleteJT
Of course I will JT.
ReplyDeleteThe honest answer is 'yes, you DO look like Ted Danson.'
Encouraging words.
ReplyDeleteI think we all need that but it doesnt happen nearly enough...or at least as far as i can tell...
But I am encouraged to hear that it is, and your humble response!