You listen to someone speak or you watch the way they handle a situation and you just know that’s someone you would like to know better. When you are trying to keep a friendship going, it’s like trying to keep a fire from going out on a camp out. You know that fire is very useful. It can keep trouble away and provide warmth from the cold. That is how a good connection is. These are usually unique people that are helpful when you need to get things done. They can help you stay encouraged so your projects don’t come to a stand-still. You shouldn’t let them out of your life easily.
The enemy knows that if you have jelly and they have bread you might make a sandwich, and we can’t have that now can we. A lot of times he uses separation from common places, the absence of the people you had in common, or time itself to make things awkward. Send a message, or a card. Complement them on what you know they do well. Encourage them on things that are not going as well as they would like.
The Word of God says that ‘a friend is always loyal and a brother is born to help in time of need’. (proverbs 17:17) It also tells us that there are friends that stick closer than brothers. (proverbs 18:24b) Naomi of the Bible found this to be true. (The book of Ruth) Ruth found Naomi to be one of the unique people you meet in life that you don’t let situations separate you from. She kept her family bond when there was no reason to. God had put a connection between them and Ruth didn’t take it lightly. Our connections with other people are not by accident, it’s a set up. Whether it’s good or bad, it is a set up. We use the Word of God to tell the difference. The divine connection between Ruth and Naomi would put Ruth in the position to be the grandmother of King David. Her tender heart and passion was passed down to her grandson and he went on to become a man after God’s own heart.
I read this story and realize that we should put more effort into maintaining good connection and put more effort in ending bad ones. Separate ourselves from people who don’t encourage us but have low expectations of us. Separate ourselves from people who invite trouble, provide no warmth when you’re cold and alone, and make you feel like you’re the only one bringing the wood to keep the fire going.
(Written to my brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus)
Love Kim S-J
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