When three is not a crowd

TODAY’S SPECIAL: Ecclesiastes 4:7-16

TO CHEW ON: “Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:12

Threesome friendships can be awkward. Often two of the friends have a closer bond and the third person feels left out. Thus the old saying: “Two’s company, three’s a crowd.” But when the third friend in the relationship is Jesus –whether that relationship is platonic or romantic – everything changes.

Jesus’ goal for your relationships is unity. When you and your friend are both friends of Jesus, you have the same purpose and the same direction. When you fail or disappoint each other, Christ’s grace is both a buffer and an example. His standards for love, patience and forgiveness ensure that the friendship will be strong and lasting. Even prayer is impacted by such friendships. For when you and your friend pray about something, God has promised to be there right with you.

Friendships of all kinds are a gift from God. But friendships where Jesus makes it a threesome (or foursome or more) are forever!

PRAYER: Dear God, thank You for my friends. Help me to put Your ideals of love, forgiveness and patience into practice in all my friendships.

MORE: If we could practice love like it’s described in 1 Corinthians 13 in all our friendships, wouldn’t they just flourish? Many relationship specialists have worked out ways to help us show unselfish love. One of them is Gary Chapman. In his series of books on the love languages, Chapman gives lots of ideas of how to communicate love to family members and friends in ways they will understand.

What are the love languages?

What’s your love language (a 30-second assessment)?

Check out other good stuff at Dr. Chapman’s The Five Love Languages website.

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Christian Carnival:

Are you interested in reading more about the Christian faith and life? Do you want to expand your blog-reading? The Christian Carnival is a great way to widen your horizons in both those departments. This week's carnival is hosted by Fish and Cans. Read it here.