What "R" We?

We may wonder about the manner in which some friends treat each other. Perhaps we have heard it said, "With friends like that, who needs enemies." Even David had the experience of what was once a close friend turning against him. ( Psalm 41:9) [Note also Psalm 55:12-13] Besides this challenge among friends there are also family members who don't always treat each other as family. David himself noted how he had become a stranger to his brothers and an alien to his mother's sons. ( Psalm 69:8) As we note there is only a one letter difference between "friend" and "fiend" we should seriously consider what we "r" striving to be! We have very little control over how others might choose to treat us, but we do have control over the manner in which we treat them and our own actions have great potential to even win an enemy over into becoming a friend.

Solomon noted. . .
"A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is A FRIEND WHO STICKS CLOSER THAN A BROTHER." ( Proverbs 18:24 ESV)

Yes, it is possible for one to have many companions or associations and be ruined by them. However, what a blessing to have A FRIEND WHO IS LIKE FAMILY! Perhaps the words of this proverb bring to mind the One Who was a friend to "tax collectors and sinners." ( Matthew 11:19) "R" we trying to imitate Christ as the true Friend He is to us?

When it comes to specifically friends and family, what is the key to maintaining these relationships in a proper manner? Perhaps we might agree that friends should always be treated as friends and family should always be treated as family. However, when we note the SPECIALNESS of true friendships and the CLOSENESS of endeared family relationships, someone has suggested: "Treat your family like friends and your friends like family." [source: calendar quote] I think there is some real power there in drawing such relationships closer to the way they ought to be. May the kind we "r" glorify God and bless those connected to our life.

Have a great day BEING A BROTHERLY OR SISTERLY FRIEND!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Relationships