July #jammed: Grace serves.

Day 189: Never an empty glass.

“Be holy, because I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:16

“You’re in the house …knocking on the door …but you’re not quite there yet.”

The friend room was a place that existed in a college acquaintance’s mind. I’d say, ‘friend,’ but I’m not sure I ever earned that title. Silly as it may sound, the strategy isn’t a bad idea. It’s important to guard our hearts. But my debate is the possibility to be friends with everyone. I think it’s plausible to let everyone in the friend room, just so long as each friendship is allowed to look different.

Today’s verse reminds us what we are to strive for. So, clearly we can’t spend time in situations that compromise our spiritual growth. Sounds reasonable …unless it’s impossible. Sooner or later, we’re all going to end up in compromising situations. Imagine if Jesus left us standing outside the door and made us earn our way in each time we failed.

He doesn’t. But let’s take note from the way Jesus’ navigated friendship on earth. He definitely wasn’t afraid to be associated with anyone. His confidence in God’s Word allowed Him to be unaffected by pride. But there’s no doubt He held a small group in closer confidence than anyone else. Telling them everything the Father had told Him.

Let’s not build walls around who’s allowed into our hearts, but instead be students of how and when to guard it. God places people around us purposefully. If they are on our radar, that’s a cue to be compassionate.

Father, Praise You for friendship, and all we have to learn from the way Jesus honored His friendships on earth. Thank You for placing people around us, for it’s not good for us to be along. We confess our suspicion of other, and pray that You help us know when to have compassion, and when to be guarded. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Get the conversation started by commenting below, and let’s encourage one another as we face life in 2017 armed with grace! 

#greatgrace17

Happy Friend-ing

Megs

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