Trust and Friendships
trust is critical to a friendship. we’ve all been burned and if we’re honest…we’ve all done some “burning” ourselves (whether intentional or not).
sometimes these experiences jade us to the point of wondering whether close friendships or even worth it or not. sometimes these experiences lead us to conclude that there just aren’t that many honest, trustworthy people out there with whom we can befriend.
the truth is that godly relationships add blessings to our lives. scripture is clear that a friend loves at all times and that a brother is born for adversity. our friends (if they are the right kind of people) can offer us wisdom, encouragement, pray, laughs……and just plain fun. our “tough days” are made brighter when they are shared with people that love us and have our best interests at heart.
how can we tell if someone is trustworthy? i learned as early as elementary school that it’s not always wise to share my secrets…..the “i’m not supposed to tell you this but……” syndrome left me out in the cold more than once. there is NO surefire way to know who is completely trustworthy all the time. even Jesus had a judas………
but it is possible to grow and develop friendships over time. growing and developing friendships over time means you don’t become BEST friends over night. all too often we might someone with whom we have a lot in common and we think here this is my BFF……..then the tough times come and we find that our trust was not well spent.
with this in mind go slowly with relationships. take time. ask questions. pray. i am not suggesting that you be cautious to the point of being obnoxious. be friendly - be real - but go slowly. don’t give your heart - your secrets - your treasures immediately. share as appropriately. as small issues are handled well go into larger issues.
this concept is biblical. the bible says that when we are faithful in the little things - we’ll be given larger things with which to be faithful………so when small issues are addressed honestly and with respect then move on the medium sized things.
friendships are an important part of our lives. i have learned to guard and value my relationships. it’s true we can trust everybody. but there are many trustworthy people who understand the value of a true friend. my friends have been people that will pray with me - cry with me - laugh with and tell me when i am wrong. they have been my encouragers - my “secret keepers”, and prayer warriors. they have made my “tough times” brighter. i pray and live so that i might be the same blessing to them.
we all need friends. ruth needed naomi……mary needed elizabeth…..and the list goes on and on. the right people in our lives can make us smile and they can also help us stay on God’s path for our lives.
go ahead - get out there - make new friends. just take it slowly and do it the right way. i’d love to hear how your close friends have helped you out.
shalom,
monica
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Comments
As I was reading this I thought friendships should be handled the same way God does , If He can trust us with small things then He will give us greater things. Then I read you used that example. WOW! I agree, I agree.
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