Waterproof - Principle 2

Celebrating my 30th year of life and in thanksgiving, enter theWaterproof Life-Principal nr 2! Based on Proverbs 27:6, this principal has been a guide to me not only when considering friends, but also when considering Jesus as a friend. " a friend loves AT ALL TIMES ..." (Proverbs 17:17)

Wouldn't you rather hear the truth and grow in that than a temporary "wishy-washy" kiss on your Ego?

With regards to our children, my husband and I have had  traumatic events in a small space of time ... during these times it became clear as day who the REAL friends were.

When Job lost everything... in his pain and grief he said:
"My relatives have gone away; my friends have forgotten me." and also "All my intimate friends detest me; those I love have turned against me"  (Job 9:14&19)

Job was a wealthy man.
"Wealth attracts many friends, but even the closest friends of the poor, desert them." (Proverbs 19:4)
Some friends are only your friend because they can get something from you. Maybe your wealth is your listening ear? your precious quality time spent together or your honest and sound advice ... should your wealth diminish and the friend also ... he or she wasn't really your friend.

There are many weird and wonderful people in my life, but I have taken it upon myself to commit them to God and to discern the true ones.

a Real friend will tell you the truth.
Even though it might be uncomfortable for them and for you ...
(that's where the slap comes in!)

The other side of the story is also ...of course,
EVERYONE WANTS a true friend so much that they forget to BE ONE.
Do you stick with your friends through the 'tough and tight' circumstances?
Do you give them a slap and tell them the truth if you know they're heading for a fall?
are YOU there to help pick up the pieces of their broken heart? ...

The comfort Jesus brought me, through our toughest times, were most intimate and most soothing.
Because he heard the whispers and tears of my heart that no other could. Then touched it with His Word and with His Presence. He has been a friend to me.
Because He has been mine, I can be one.

Choose Wisely!

The Bible says in Proverbs 22:24 to not make friends with a hot-tempered person or associate with those who are easily angered ... Eish! What if you're the angry one? Better get to work ...

"WALK WITH THE WISE and become wise, for a companion of fools suffer HARM." (Proverbs 13:20)

All these 'slaps' and pieces of truth to renovate and change our 'stinking thinking' is all for our own GOOD!
"I Know the thoughts and plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11)

If you've been slapped around by the Truth a few times, eventually you won't fall over anymore, but learn to stand, strong and confident in the Truth.

To my Parents, Siblings, loving Family and friends.
Especially my Husband, my "BFF" (Beste Chommi Forever)!

Dankie Abba, dat U 'n ware vriend is vir my. Dankie ook vir ware vriende!