Discovering Who I Am, Relationships, Words of Endurance

The heartfelt counsel of a friend
is as sweet as perfume and incense.
PROVERBS 27:9 (THE MESSAGE)

We all long for strong healthy friendships because deep down inside we know how much we need them to journey with through this life. We desire to trust our friends with who we truly are knowing that – no matter what – we will still be loved and accepted. And we also desire to have friends that we can trust to give us heartfelt counsel and are willing to be honest with us.

An honest answer
is like a warm hug.
PROVERBS 24:26 (THE MESSAGE)

The defining moment in a friendship is when you give your friend permission to speak into your life. But whenever we take this step there is always an element of risk – a risk that we may be hurt. But the Scripture reminds us that …

Wounds from a sincere friend
are better than many kisses from an enemy.
PROVERBS 27:6 (NLT)

I have found this to be so true in my own friendships – I can trust the heartfelt counsel of a sincere friend even when it hurts because their only motive is to see me mature into who I truly am. I can trust that their heart is not to harm me but to encourage me on the journey.

The right word at the right time
is like a custom-made piece of jewelry,
And a wise friend’s timely reprimand
is like a gold ring slipped on your finger.
PROVERBS 25:11-12

I have learned though that this kind of trust does not happen over night but that it develops over time. I can honestly tell you that I have only just over the last couple of years realized that I have this type of trusted relationship with only a handful of friends for which I am forever grateful.

A closing thought – friendship is a two way street – it is when you give permission and are given permission that a healthy friendship can begin to grow.

On the Journey with You,
Dave Dravecky