friend
- a person whom one knows and with whom one has a bond of mutual affection, typically exclusive of sexual or family relations.
So what’s your definition of a friend? A true friend is difficult to find. And when you think you have found one, it can take more time to know if you can completely trust them. Do you have such a friend?
The Bible talks about, “Confess your sins one to another.” (James 5:16) After becoming aware of this scripture I first thought, “No way!” And for many years I didn’t. How in the world could you trust someone with the darkest side of you? Here is a good test to see if you can trust a friend with something you did wrong. You tell them something, that if it got out would be embarrassing, but not career ending. Then, you can feel safe confessing your sins.
I have such a friend. It took a few years of getting to know him before I knew I could trust him with anything. I have told him things I have not spoken of to any other living person. He has shared likewise. I value my friendship with him very much. We talk to each other every week. As well, we pray, intercede, and there are times when one of us has to correct the other’s attitude toward another person or situation. I thank God for him, for he is a sure gift from God.
The great philosopher Woody, from the movie “Toy Story” put it like this:
You’ve got troubles, and I’ve got ’em, too
There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for you
We stick together and we see it through
‘Cause you’ve got a friend in me
I hope you have such a friend. If not I pray you would find one, and if you don’t, you should ask God to help you find one. You will be glad you did. I should also add, if someone opens up their heart, and confesses a sin in their life to you, please do not speak of it to anyone else. The damage you could cause may take years to heal in them, if they ever do.
Like my trusted friend once said, after revealing a sin in his life, “Wow, I feel so much better, and lighter after sharing that with you.” That is something you can’t put a price tag on. It’s priceless!
Copyright © 2021 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.
I am guilty of expecting perfection of others. I know, it’s wrong. When someone disappoints me and I express it, they are instantly hurt to the core. I hate it when I do it, because I don’t want to hurt anyone, especially the ones I love.
Confession: I have never been inside a confessional booth. I grew up in a church where doing so was not part of our spiritual practice. I am at a temple where there is one. I am writing this blog post while sitting inside it. Not intended, but in order to see I brought a small, but bright LED light. It is casting such a white glow I think it scared a couple checking out the temple.
I was sitting in a church admiring the grandeur, the architecture. Then, I opened my Bible to a random spot.
they worship me from their soft, warm, living hearts. They feel their good deeds achieve tally marks on a chalk board by my chair. I would rather the receivers of those deeds feel me. They step into a dark, small closet to confess their sins. I say confess them loudly from your roof tops, so you are less likely to repeat them.
brady, mark a. 