May 18
Intro:
Is there anything better in life than knowing the love of a good friend? Someone once said, “A friend is someone who understands your past, believes in your future, and accepts you just the way you are.” Hi, this is Dorette Schaal with your dailyeword. Another thing a good friend does for you is encourage you with their words. Their words in your life can feel like oxygen to your soul. This week I get to spend time with my good friend who lives in Switzerland. I’m so excited and so thankful for the love of a good friend. Here is your dailyeword.
May 18
There are many circles of friendship. We look at Jesus and see that he had 3 very close friends in his closest circle, the next circle had the 12 disciples, and the next circles were larger than that. Whoever you have in your circles, make sure the ones closest to you are the ones who help you grow. You need to have people around you who speak life into you! To be a good friend, we have to do the same in our relationships. We want to be around people who fortify and defend us, not flatten and defeat us!
What are some ways you can fortify a friendship? Our words can make a world of difference. 1) Take time to really listen. 2) Think about what you would like to hear if you were in their shoes…..is it time for a 3 point sermon, or do they need some empathy? 3) Fill your words with God’s Word. Find scriptures that pertain to their situation and let it wash over them to heal and cleanse. All of us can use come refortification, and a friend can be a burden lifter.
What are some ways you can defend a friendship with your words? 1) Stick up for them! Be a loyal friend, keep your word, and use your words to guard and support them. 2) Speak honestly – don’t let them go down the path of sin, call a spade a spade! Be sure you are honest both ways, and give them credit when it is due. 3) Most of all, be a person of prayer, and pray a hedge of protection around them. Our words in prayer are powerful! Things change when we pray…..circumstances can turn around! Why not distribute some of the wonderful treasure of encouraging words to the friends in your life. It may be just what they need to find victory in what they are walking through.