Friendship:  God’s Perspective

“Mommy, I need your help with something.” My eight-year-old son called out during his online class. It turned out that he needed assistance in sharpening his pencil since his hands were already full. The first sharpener I took out of his case was an old, rusty one. It didn’t do much. Good thing that he had another one that served its purpose. In just a while, the pencil that seemed to be a piece of junk came out all sharp and ready for use again.  Just as the pencil needed help in getting sharpened, sometimes we need to be sharpened by God's perspective and God uses our friends.

Biblical Friendship

Proverbs 17:27 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” This is what Biblical friendship looks like. Through our interactions with our friends, we become sharper and all-ready for the use of the Master our Lord and Savior. Life may take many unexpected turns that will oftentimes cause us to become dull. We try and we fail, we engage, and we get hurt and we do good yet remain unnoticed or unappreciated. We eventually get exhausted and that is inevitable. So, it is at these moments that a good friend will come and help you sort through whatever confusing circumstance you may be in. It is at these times that God will use a friend to help you recognize what God is saying. A friend will be there to pray with you and stand by you as the going gets tough. And together you both come out of the experience as better people.

Light of God

A good friend will not only offer encouragement, but they will also correct you when needed. As is said in Proverbs 27:5-6, "Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses." To completely serve its purpose, a sharpener removes the exposed layers of the pencil and this seems to be a "painful" process. So, as it is with our relationships. There will be times that our friends need to openly rebuke us out of love. When one person is deeply concerned for the welfare of another, they demonstrate this even if it means that he will have to disagree with the other's choices. They will also tell us directly and not behind our back since they are confident with regards to their intentions. Anything that is done out of love can be done in the light of God and without fear. But, when the motive behind is not of pure intention, then it will be difficult to deliver the rebuke properly.    

Show All Sides of You

True, Biblical friendship requires authenticity and intentionality. When we show only our good side…we enjoy the relationship only during the good days, then we miss the beauty of a meaningful friendship. We are supposed to be there for one another especially when the times are rough. Amid the fast-paced world we are in, it is crucial also to remain connected intentionally. We do not just wait for things to happen. As a good friend, we make time for one another and regularly check on each other even if its just a Zoom party or a casual phone call. As the Bible says, "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity." (Proverbs 17:17) I pray that we all find this kind of friend, and that we too will become the friend that God has purposed us to be.

I hope that this blog posts brings comfort and value to your life and your friendships.  If you are interested in our academy...click the picture at the top of the post and use coupon code LAUNCH50 and you will receive 50% off.  If you would like more time with us please visit and join our private Facebook group, You Ministries at:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/youministries for fellowship with other like minded people. God bless you!

Special thanks to Ruma Dzon for her contribution in helping me write this post.