Do you want real friendship with God?
What does it take to have a real friendship with God?
We find the answer in Proverbs, "Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation." (Proverbs 3:3-4 NLT)
I can try to be loyal and to find favor with God. But kindness? Ouch. Do you know what "kind" means? "Indulgent, benevolent." That's more difficult, to be kind to EVERYONE....
And here's the thing. Here’s the familiar verse that follows right after:
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5 NLT). We love this verse! It does us good!
But the truth is: If you want to experience good, you must give good of yourself! Or more specifically,if you want to experience a good friendship with God, you must give good of yourself!
So if you read these two verses one after the other: "Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation. Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding" (Proverbs 3:3-5 NLT), only then does a very different message emerge.
My own power of judgment would say, "Surely I have no power at all to treat every person graciously, that is, with forbearance, benevolence and kindness." Perhaps even, "Not every person deserves that!"
That's why God says, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding" (Proverbs 3:5 NLT). Because God sees what we don't see and He loves even those we don't love.
Yes, THAT is what is meant by this verse. It's not about us. It’s about God and His love for everyone. Even those who are difficult to love. 🙂
That's the kind of friend God desires. God wants a friendship with people who are kind, while trusting Him that He knows what He is doing.
friend, do you want that kind of friendship with God now?
You are a miracle!
