One of my favorite sayings is "With age comes wisdom, but sometimes age comes alone." My friend-list always includes people I can trust and many times that means older, wiser people, but sometimes it means people wise beyond their years due to experience. Once upon a time trusting someone meant I knew what I shared wouldn't go anywhere else, but my ideas about trust have expanded. My dog, Little Mac, lives up to the "man's best friend" legacy: he listens and keeps quiet, always seems excited to see me, and he'll stay close when I've blown it so badly no one else wants anything to do with me. But, dogs aren't equipped to do what only a true friend can do: speak and act courageously from a heart filled with love and wisdom.
Trustworthy friends know your heart, know when you're doing your best and give you the benefit of the doubt. They also know when you're slacking, pulling back, wallowing in self-pity or allowing your pride to blind you to the truth. Trustworthy friends look for ways to encourage you rather than picking you apart to find what they can criticize or discredit. They also don't let you get away with blaming everyone else for your problems. Trustworthy friends forgive you when you ask because they're wise enough to know anyone can make a mistake at any moment. They also expect you to forgive them when their humanity comes forward full force. People who've been around long enough to enjoy a few quality friendships have learned that true friends are hard to find and impossible to keep without honesty and wisdom.
God Almighty became the Son of Man to extend His Hand in eternal friendship to a world wallowing in sin. He speaks to us in pure wisdom "from everlasting to everlasting." He is agape Love which always acts in the best interest of others, making His friendship trustworthy. He is the definition of Trustworthy, Faithful and True. God Almighty neither coddles our egos by avoiding harsh truths nor holds back His Love until we're perfect. He sees our sin in all its ugliness yet forgives us when we ask. He's available to help us out of any slippery pit and will shine His Light into any dark place we hide when we ask for His help. He came as Someone to be held and became Someone who holds us in the unbreakable grip of His Peace and Presence. What a Friend we have in Jesus!
Lord, Who You are provides exactly what we need. We wouldn't choose so much honesty if it were up to us because we'd rather downplay our own sin and spotlight other people's sins. Thank You for loving us as we are, yet not letting us get away with anything that hurts our character, our witness, and ultimately Your kingdom. Jesus, You said, "You are My friends if you do what I command" (John 15:14) so strengthen us to accept Your Wisdom and obey all You command. You, Forever God, are the Friend who exceeds all our hopes and expectations. Please, keep us from assuming on or taking advantage of Your friendship. May we give You, who've given us eternity in heaven, our trustworthy friendship in return.
In the Name of Jesus, Son of man and Friend of sinners!
"Before the mountains were born or You brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting You are God." Psalm 90:2
"To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." Colossians 1:27
"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." Colossians 3:15
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