In Your Face

photo via pexels.com

If they’re not in your face, they need to be.

And you need to be in theirs.
Your presence could save someone’s life.

Now more than ever, we need friends. Meaning, the in-person type. The trendy digital culture has great benefits, but the addiction to it is keeping us dangerously out of touch with living human beings. We can’t go anywhere without a phone attached to our fingertips — which makes meaningful conversation with the friend seated beside us nearly impossible. Think about it, are Facebook acquaintances going attend your funeral? Or worse, would you accept a wedding proposal from an Instagram follower? I know, I’m stretching it a bit. But only a bit.

Someone has to be the first to reach out with a real-life hand. Will it be you? 

A wise man once said:
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” Proverbs 17:17

At All Times? Socializing” from the safety of a laptop or phone is like living on a desert island without food or fresh water—you slowly waste away. [Remember the scene in “Castaway” with Tom Hanks and his soccer ball friend? Click to watch a 2 minute Youtube CLIP]

What might happen to the crime stats if we woke up to the fact that one of our primary purposes on earth is to cultivate healthy relationships?  Seriously, you were born to change lives for the better. Life can get downright crappy, and my friends keep me sane. If you and I are born to stand together in adversity, who are you helping keep sane?

More insight from Ecclesiastes.

2 are better than one; a strand of 3 cords is not easily broken. Thank you to the 2s and 3s in my life today. I know you’ve got my back.

A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Hugs to my BFF for sharing my tears and my laughter during times of loneliness and heartache brought on by my foes.

Bear with the weak when they fail. Not to please ourselves, but because it’s right. (Rom 15:1)

Meet up to spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Who doesn’t need encouragement in a hostile world? (Heb 10:24)

If your attention is occupied with 2-dimensional images and stories on a screen, how can you “look out for the interest of another” who’s right beside you? (Phil 2:4)

True friends are those we experience in 3 dimension. If you’ve never felt someone’s pulse, or smelled their aroma, or touch their tears … leave those someones in the acquaintance-only category. Make a real friend.

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But Choose Wisely

Understand true love, and choose wisely your closest friends. “Evil company corrupts good morals.” 1 Corinthians 15:33  

Avoid the Fool’s trap: The gift of sex is not a sign of friendship. Ever.

Let friends be accountable for their own debts. Only a fool will enable the irresponsible.  If you lend, do so without expecting anything in return (Luke 6). 

Be deliberate in all your interactions.

Never be ashamed of good choices. Yes, over time, bad company will ruin good morals.

And finally…
Those who do damage (i.e. character bashers; Negative Nellies) need to remain outside of your intimate circle of fellowship. Your closest friends should always demonstrate beyond words mutual respect. Positive attitudes toward life leave both of you feeling lifted up. 

Your true friends wear skin your hands can feel.

True friends are those you experience in 3 dimension. If you’ve never felt their pulse, or smelled their aroma, or touch their tears … demote them to the acquaintance-only category.

Be the in-your-face friend.
Do the friend thing.

Your tribe needs you.
And you need your tribe.

The Friendship of An Embattled Spirit

Afterthought.

“One who isolates himself pursues selfish desires; he rebels against all sound judgment.” Proverbs 18:1