Are You My Friend?

The way you see the world is greatly shaped by the environment you grow up in and the experiences you’ve had. There is a nature vs. nurture argument that stands to prove which one has the most impact on who you become. No matter which said you agree with, both points hold some truth. What you see and what you are exposed to is what becomes normal to you. How many times have we seen children emulate what they have seen their parents do?

Friendship is one of those things that can be added into the equation. When you think about what a friend is, almost everyone in the world will have a different definition. Some base their friendships on the amount of time that they have known a person or what they have gone through with them. It may even be as simple as having things in common such as relationship status, children, or career.  Others even find friends in those who look like them or speak the same language as they do.

But there has to be more to it than that!

Luke 1:41 When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit (New International Version)

The Bible has many examples of friendship but this is one of my favorites. At the sounds of Mary’s voice, Elizabeth’s baby leaped and Elizabeth was able to encounter God’s presence. This simple scripture is all the definition we need for friendship. The nature of friendship is based on the nature of nurturing.  The nature of their relationship nurtured who they were. We are not told how long the women had known each other or what they had gone through together. What we do know is that Elizabeth rejoiced at Mary’s impending marriage to Joseph and just the sound of Mary’s voice caused the child inside of Elizabeth to leap with joy.

Instead of basing our friendships on superficial issues that can fade and be blown in the wind, we should be identifying these relationships on their ability to make our “babies” leap.

In order for your “baby” to leap, you have to be “pregnant” with something. And I don’t just mean a child. I’m talking about purpose. A friendship should speak to your purpose and rejoice in your victories. Your friendships cannot be based on someone’s ability to always agree with you but their uncanny ability to address your purpose. You can’t pursue popularity of you’re chasing purpose. No, your friends may not be elite in the world but there are the cream of the crop for you.

A friend that's honed on in your purpose will help keep you out of things that prevent it and push you to those things that perfect it.

Friendships should serve a purpose in your life other than entertainment. Mary and Elizabeth weren’t concerned about the social status of the other woman but her ability to have vision. “My people are being destroyed because they don't know me. Since you priests refuse to know me, I refuse to recognize you as my priests. Since you have forgotten the laws of your God, I will forget to bless your children” (Hosea 4:6). Don’t get stuck in a visionless friendship because of their “name”.  A friend provides vision, knowledge, correction, encouragement, and discipline.

Imagine if Mary didn’t have a true friend in Elizabeth! Our Savior may not have been born if Mary didn’t have the right friends. What miracle will your friends help give birth to? Elizabeth’s leaping baby was the one who would set the tone for the Messiah. Your friendships set the stage for the arrival of what God has placed in you. Be careful in your choosing!

If they don’t make your “baby” leap what are they doing in your circle?

With All My Love,
Mrs. Truscott