It’s still early enough in the year to commit to doing something positively impactful and allow it to become a new good habit.
Lean in a bit closer and let me share what’s on my heart with you … perhaps it’s something that you may have been considering as well.
People. Other people, to be exact. People who may be struggling with finding their way through friendships or just relationships in general. What about them? Could you or I extend ourselves just a bit to help make their plight less painful? Maybe even become part of the solution?
I’m almost convinced that each one of us knows or is aware of someone who we recognize as a loner or an individual who seems to be traveling through life without the support of close friends much less a tribe of people in their camp.
We all have had our difficulties in life (and we will continue to experience them while we’re on this side of Paradise), so those of us who can appreciate the comforting shoulders or compassionate hearts of persons in our lives understand the value such people bring to our spaces. These are the individuals that you want to celebrate whenever you can simply because they just seem to know the right words to say when you’re down and out, or they can read your body language when you’re desperately trying to hide the pain in your heart and they’re willing to give you the time to just unpack your story.
But there are those whose lives are void of such companionship. It’s possible that they simply were not mentored or taught in their earlier years the ways of being a friend.
A man who has friends must himself be friendly, Proverbs 18:24a NKJV
This Scripture verse actually speaks to the nature of being a genuine friend and so discerning the behavior and attitude of like-minded others.
How incredible would it be to let Jesus be seen through your generosity of simple and genuine friendship? I’m not talking just ‘being nice’ to someone — anyone is capable of that. But not everyone is capable of extending their arm to someone outside of their comfort zone — possibly someone from a different cultural background, educational experience, on the other side of the political fence, from another religion … someone who doesn’t ‘look’ like the person we see in the mirror every morning.
Let that sit with you for a moment …
If you’re wrestling with this thought of doing something ‘uncomfortable,’ let me ask you another question: “What if no one ever extended themselves towards you?”
The love of Jesus inside of us was never meant to remain there. It was intended to keep multiplying and pouring into the lives of others.
“I’m giving you a new commandment: Love each other in the same way that I have loved you. 35 Everyone will know that you are my disciples because of your love for each other.” John 13:34-35 GWT
Who knows, you just might start a wonderful habit and show others (as you continue to learn and grow) how to be that new friend to someone else.
“Father GOD, through Your Grace and Mercy, we have fellowship with You through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Your heart of compassion and love is what we seek to share with those who are brokenhearted and lonely for friendship. Holy Spirit, teach and show us how to do this. Open our eyes and ears to hear Your Whispers and to see others with love. Give us the courage and strength to hold out our arms in faith and bring others into Your Light that they may see You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”
I love you to Heaven and Back, Girlfriend ~~
LindaRJohnson, TitusTwo Visionary
Titus Two 