The other night as I was falling asleep, I thought about how we are always told to be friendly to everyone . As I was thinking about this common mandate, I realized that friendliness has the potential to fall short of the life that Jesus calls us to live, as His followers.
This realization came after I had seen a homeless man outside my church a few Sundays ago. Although I greeted him and invited him into the church as I walked past, I now understand that that friendliness was not what was needed. That man wanted a friend. He was truly in need of someone going over to him, sitting down on the bench, and taking the time to talk with him.
From this experience, I understand we are called by Jesus to LOVE everyone we meet and love does not mean acting with superficial kindness. No. Instead, to love someone is to value them. Even if we will never see them again, we need to view our relationship with them as more then just an act of "friendliness." We should treat them with respect, honesty and true kindness. This type of friendship, even if lasting for a moment, will have the strength to show someone Jesus' love. It will be strong enough to break down barriers of distrust, so that we can show them that Jesus also wants to be their friend.
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7 years ago
Wow, Julia. That is such a good point! And something that is so wonderful to be brought to attention. I definitely agree that sometimes we think that being nice will just cut it, but truly showing love goes further than that, much further. And I think at the heart of it, this sort of friendship and any true friendship at all requires sacrifice, willing and loving sacrifice.
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