When somebody approaches you with a problem....or even just to let you know that they're maybe having a not so good of a day....do you just brush them off as a complainer....or a whiner....or somebody trying to just get some attention?
Do you tell them, "Oh, cheer up, it could always be worse?"....or say something like "Your problems don't compare to what I'm/she/he/they are going thru"? Do you tell them that you'll keep them in your prayers, but then forget all about offering up a simple prayer for them? Do you tell them that they have so much to be grateful for, that they just need to get over it and move on?
Or....are you filled with the spirit of encouragement? Do you take the time to really listen and try to see where the person who is "blue" is coming from...what the trial their going thru is? Or...do you just consider them in a bad mood and figure they'll get over it soon enough, so it really doesn't concern you....maybe you don't want to get involved, or ask any personal questions? Have you ever been in a situation where you didn't take the time to listen....and it turned out in the long run that you so wished you had shown a bit more compassion?
I have....and it saddens me.....because sometimes all a person needs is a shoulder to lean on!!!
Before some of you e-mail me, or leave me a comment telling me that we all have God....please know that I already know that!!! He's our ULTIMATE FRIEND!!! But sometimes....we need a TRUE friend we can confide in.....cry with....share with.
Are you a friend like that?
Do you have a friend like that?
Am I a friend like that?
I hope that we can all answer "yes".
Luke 6:31 (NLT)
Do to others as you would like them to do to you.Proverbs 17:17 (NLT)
A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.My dear friend...this one is for you:
Proverbs 27:17 (NLT)
As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.
In His Most Precious Love....and with mine!!!
great post :)
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