Day 15: Friends

God has blessed me with some truly amazing friends. I may not have dozens upon dozens of true friends, but in my opinion, it's quality, not quantity. However, I do believe in being a friend to all people, not just the ones who love you in return.

This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
~John 15:12-13 (KJV)

According to these verses, everybody needs to love everybody else. No fine print whatsoever. There are no stipulations or exclusions to this commandment. It doesn't matter what gender, race, color, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, culture, creed, or whatever other variables you can think of. LOVE ONE ANOTHER. Period.

I don't think that it means all cuddly, mushy love. It's strong, supportive, I'd-do-anything-honest-for-you-no-matter-what love. It can be shared by family members, friends, acquaintances, and even complete strangers. In fact, love toward strangers can make one of the biggest impacts. Because strangers are just that--strangers--they don't feel obligated to be loving or polite. If someone they don't know upsets them (accidentally or on purpose), they have no qualms about retaliating. This just puts the second person in a bad mood and makes them take it out on someone else, thus starting a chain reaction of ill tempers and vindictive actions. That's not what being a Christian is about. Jesus showed love towards ALL people, particularly sinners, because they were the ones who needed love the most. Don't just show love to the people who show it to do--show it to those who NEED it. Be an initiator of good feeling. Be a love catalyst. If you're going to be blamed for something, make sure it's something to be proud of... like sharing smiles or hugs or kind words. Hate only begets more hate, but thankfully, on the flip-side, love always begets more love.

So, whatever you call it--karma, paying it forward, doing a good deed--go out and do it. Don't wait for someone to be nice to you. Plant a seed. Knock over that first domino. Not only will you make others feel good, you'll undoubtedly make yourself feel good too. And most importantly, you'll be honoring God's Word.

Lord, thank You for this day. Thank You for kind and supportive people... and those who aren't so kind or supportive. Both types of people enrich life and help me learn the lessons I need to grow into a Godly person. Lord, please guide me and show me how to be a successful initiator for love. Please keep me upbeat and positive and outgoing. Please show me how to be a good friend, and forgive me if and when I ever fail to be the best friend I can be. Thank You SO MUCH for my family and friends; I ask that You please keep them safe and strong, happy and healthy. Lord, I love You with all of my heart and soul and I will follow You forever no matter what. In Jesus' name, Amen.


Love and God Bless,
M.C.