Author: Saleama A. Ruvalcaba, MATS

The power of friendship is incredible!

Is it possible to make Godly friendships?

Yes, it is.

Is it possible to keep Godly friendships?

Yes, but a lot of times we are really bad at it. I am often amazed when I hear people say they’ve been friends for years.

It’s Amazing!

Amazing? Yes – the power of friendship is incredible!

You see, friends come and go. One day you have a best friend, then the next day you’re no longer speaking to each other.

The older I’ve get I have come to understand why people do not keep friendships. Primarily it’s a lack of communication and pride. Lack of communication is one thing. We can all get better at communicating. However, pride is sin. When things go wrong and we don’t care enough to take time and talk about issues – pray about them – to reconnect -that’s pride. We stay angry and drift apart.

Did you know that broken relationships can hinder the Kingdom of God?

Really?

Read Paul’s words below…

Philippians 4:2-3 “I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers,whose names are in the book of life.”

NIV

Let God of Pride

When Paul pleaded with these two women in the book of Philippines he knew more than anything that their work for the Kingdom brought many people to Jesus Christ. Their infighting caused them to miss the bigger picture -God’s Kingdom. We think our behavior only impacts our lives when in fact it impacts so many people. I am inspired when I see two people who have been friends for years – it’s a powerful thing! It reminds me that I too can have a lasting friendship – if I choose to make the right decision by praying to God and talking problems out. Satan would much prefer we remain angry at each other. Satan would much prefer we live in bitterness and loneliness. But when we stay connected to our friends through the power of prayer and God’s guidance we defeat Satan!

James 5:16 “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”

In this article Need More Christian Friends, an article about making more friends, one of the points is; be intentional. I agree. Be intentional to make friends – and to reconnect when problems arise. It’s selfish to remain angry. The power is gone. You’re weak. You’ve allowed Satan to win.

Who do you need to reach out to today?

Do you have a friend you’ve ignored?

Are you angry waiting for him or her to call you?

Pick up your phone and you make the first move.

Friendships are vital. God doesn’t want us to be angry at our friends. We all have the ability to hurt others. We all make mistakes. But God can restore hurt and pain if we allow Him to. Satan wants you bitter – God wants you better!

Pray and ask God to give you wisdom and the right words to say. He will. Connect today with your friend. The power is in your hands. Pray now. There is power in the name of Jesus Christ. He can change anything!

The power of friendship is incredible!

---

~Saleama A. Ruvalcaba, MATS