Christ’s Perspective on Helping Friends
*Read in Spanish - Leer en Español
‘Friendship’ is recognized both Internationally (7/30) and Nationally in the USA (8/4). But as with all virtues, friendship deserves vigilant cultivation and nurturing beyond recognizing it with a special day.
We learned a trait of true friendship from something Christ said about helping others:
“Why do you notice the small speck in your brother's eye but fail to ponder the large beam in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me help take the small speck out of your eye,' when a large beam is still lodged in your own eye? You hypocrite! First take the time to promptly do what is necessary to thoroughly remove the large beam from your own eye, and then you will see clearly enough to help remove the small speck from your brother's eye." [Matt. 7:3-5]
In Christs statement, its not what true friends do FOR US that makes them a true friend - it’s actually what they do FOR THEMSELVES!
Facing our own large, daunting personal issues which impair our perspectives about ourselves, others or life in general takes courage!
Its easy to become pre-occupied with ‘helping’ or ‘fixing’ little matters in others lives - while leaving the large matters of our lives unaddressed.
Not doing it Christ’s way often causes most instances of control and manipulation in relationships - rather than genuine ‘help’.
True Friends wind up being those who (without need for excuse or self-deprecation) confront themselves:
They prefer to face their own insecurities than to project them onto other people.
They continually educate, challenge and change themselves - and consider anyone they see progressing as ‘inspiring’ examples rather than ‘intimidating’ competitors.
True Friends cultivate the fruit of good character and simply offer that to others!
True Friendship is a result of our relating with others who combine self-love with self-discipline.
We dearly miss our deceased true friends and are truly thankful for those remaining who we share life with.
- ANOTHEN