Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- January 15, 2013
“Saul told his son Jonathan and all the attendants to kill David. But Jonathan had taken a great liking to David and warned him, “My father Saul is looking for a chance to kill you. Be on your guard tomorrow morning; go into hiding and stay there.” 1 Samuel 19:1-2
Friends warn friends. They warn them of danger to their physical safety. It could be harm from someone who wants to inflict pain or it may be a circumstance that carries economic risk. It may be the discovery of disloyalty from a mutual friend who threatens a coworker’s employment. Loyalty does not withhold information from a friend that can help them make the wisest decision. A loyal friend warns a friend while there is still time to make a safe transition.
Do you have a friend who is gullible about someone else’s good will? Is evil crouching at their door waiting to pounce on their uninformed ego? If so, you may be God’s instrument to instruct them in the way to go. Your friend may be so close to the situation that they have allowed their emotions to cloud their good judgment. Because they trust you, you can help them verify their assumptions. Use your relational equity and assist them in taking a step back to wait and pray.
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” Proverbs 17:17
Furthermore, your warning to your friend may be to cut their relational losses and move on to the Lord’s next assignment. You can lovingly explain the unhealthy organizational culture that is dragging them down. Jealousy, jockeying for position and unscrupulous motives from acquaintances all create anxiety, distrust and fear at home, work, school or church. Your friendship can be a reality check to educate a friend in how to navigate irreverent forces.
Most importantly, friends warn friends to not forsake their faith in Jesus Christ. A friend who loves at all times is able to tell the truth in love. Love does not silently sit still while a friend succumbs to Satan’s lies. We fight for our friends on our knees in prayer and with our words in warnings. A friend may need to move into our home as a sanctuary for their souls’ healing, their heart’s refreshment and their mind’s rest. Friends warn friends and help them find the way.
“Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the LORD.” 1 Samuel 20:42
Prayer: Heavenly Father, give me the love and courage to warn my friend of unhealthy influences.
Related Readings: Numbers 16:26; 1 Samuel 19:11; Acts 20:31; Hebrews 11:7
Post/Tweet today: Loyalty does not withhold information from a friend that can help them make the wisest decision. #friend
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Love the message
Amen ( give Satan black eyes ) on our knees ;). Ty , Jesus
I LOVE this & would love to share on FB, however, it will not let me share.. 🙁
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