Title: When Differences Are a Good Thing
Text:
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (HCSB)
9 Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts.
10 For if either falls, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to lift him up.
Observation:
I have had friendship on my mind this week. I read an article that motivated me to respond to the suggestion to set a worthy goal for 2014. I set a goal relating to seeking to develop a close and intimate friendship with a person who lives in my home town. I shared the goal with the author of the article, and he responded with the above text. So, I'm on a mission.
I am basically an introvert, and I have always been a quiet person. That does not mean that I can't engage in conversation with friends; I had a 1 ½ hour phone conversation with a friend yesterday. It's just small talk in larger groups that pains and drains me. I can talk for hours with dreamers and people with positive attitudes.
It is said that opposites are attracted to each other. I choose to look at it from the view that opposites complete each other. It's like the picture of the completed puzzle. Both introverts and extroverts have value; they are just different. The God who made us different commands us to be one.
Ephesians 4:2-3 (NLT)
2 Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of your love.
3 Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.
Here are some words from the Bible that instruct me on this topic of the value of having a few wise and trusted friends; people who will add value to your life, and to whom you can add value to their lives.
Proverbs 17:17 (HCSB)
17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a difficult time.
Proverbs 13:20 (HCSB)
20 The one who walks with the wise will become wise, but a companion of fools will suffer harm.
Proverbs 27:5-6 (HCSB)
5 Better an open reprimand than concealed love.
6 The wounds of a friend are trustworthy, but the kisses of an enemy are excessive.
Proverbs 27:17 (HCSB)
17 Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.
Prayer:
Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I pray that I will be a trusted friend to a small inner circle that You bring into my life; people who I can encourage, and people who can encourage me. Father God, I acknowledge that every good gift comes from your heart and your hands. Lord, I thank You for all of my blessings. Amen.
--Proverbs 30:5 (ESV)
5 Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
Psalm 119:11 (ESV)
11 I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
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