Friends

Friends

"If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone (Romans 12:18 NASB)."

Definition: A person attached to another by feelings of affection or personal regard; on good terms with another; a person who is not hostile (Dictionary.com).

Being a friend means something. Attachement, good standing, peace and love are all descriptors of friendliness. We will not have the same connection and closeness with every friend, so we need to be ready for the differences - both ways. We need to be strong, teachable, confident, giving and forgiving and relationships will last even without constant upkeep and maintenance. These attributes can also allow us to relate more to one friend over another with less risk of losing a friendship. Peace is a mainstay in relationships; we need peace. We should sometimes even stop in the middle of giving a gift to God and go make peace with a brother who is upset with us (Matthew 5:24). It takes cooperation, though it may be instigated by only one person. Peace is something we apprehend then give away to people, places and situations. Our responsibility is in the receiving and giving of peace, but not in making others receive it. If our peace is not received we should let it return to us and not fight for its penetration and reception (Matthew 10:12-13). 

Prayers: We pray our child finds it easy to make good friends and tries hard to keep the peace with them. Please give us guidance and wisdom about which friends are positive influences and which are not.

We pray our child will grow to have no fear of man and will not be a push over or a bully when relating.

Please help our child stay connected firstly and mostly to You, so every relationship deep or shallow will be held in proper perspective. No amount of venting to a friend can relieve a care, only casting it on You can. Also friends may let our child down, but You never will.

Thank You Lord for Your help and blessings.