Friendships

What I'd like to write about is holding each other Accountable. There are two verses I'll focus on, but there's much more in the Word that explores this topic.

As I researched these two verses, the Word of God became a living seed in my heart. What I mean by that is that as you read the Word, it gets planted in your heart. However, without cultivation, it can't grow; it just sits. But with cultivation, the Word comes alive and starts to grow! Ask the Holy Spirit to give you wisdom and guidance on what the Word is saying to your heart.  Let's start by looking at Proverbs 27:9.

 I see a comparison between two sources of joy: physical and relational. Neat, right? The first part of the verse relates to the physical. Historically, fragrant oils and perfumes were luxuries associated with comfort, celebration, and well-being, which bring joy to us.

In the second part of the verse, sincere and thoughtful advice from a true friend refreshes the soul! Just as oil and perfume refresh the body, this "pleasantness" from a friend can bring joy to us as well. This joy doesn't come from flattery but from genuine, heartfelt guidance—counsel that is honest, well-intentioned, and rooted in love. I love that it's heartfelt advice, which to me means true, honest, and well-intentioned guidance from a friend.

We all have friends who seem to always be controversial or combative, but then we also have friends who are overly flattering or complimentary. What we need is a balance of truth and love. Truth can hurt at times, but it can also bring immense joy and peace. Someone who truly loves you and will tell the full truth at all times will bring that pleasantness and joy. I've had people in my life who, despite knowing me for a short time, have made a lasting impression because they weren't afraid to be honest and guide me in truth.  Now, let's move on to the second verse, which expands on this idea of genuineness in friendships.

Historically, tools were sharpened by rubbing iron against iron, and the friction made each blade sharper and more effective. The first point is that we need contact. Contact actually makes us sharper and more efficient. Through relationships that include honesty, accountability, and constructive conflict, we can become stronger and more effective. True friendship isn't just about encouragement but also about helping one another grow through truth and shared experience. We don't grow in isolation; we grow in community. God uses others to shape us, and He calls us to be a refining influence in others' lives as well.

There are times when our human nature will put up walls, and we might not listen or might isolate ourselves. But when we listen to the Word, it tells us that we need each other. I pray that we open our hearts to authentic, honest relationships and become that kind of friend for those God puts in our lives. That way, our hearts can be made joyful through our friendships!