The Word of the Week
This is a Weekly podcast, inspired by THE WORD of GOD. This 5-minute podcast, will acquaint you with the WORD of GOD by focusing your bible study on how everyday words are used in scripture.
The personal thoughts I share are based on my spiritual journey and life lessons. Subscribe to become a member of the "Word of the Week-Newton" Group which will make you eligible to receive the Word of the Week by email each week, and give you access to our study journal and other subscriber benefits.
Please feel free to email me personally at candonewton@gmail.com
God Bless You!!
ORINE OUT!
The Word of the Week
WORD OF THE WEEK - FRIEND - 7/21/24
Definition:One attached to another by affection or esteem: one that is not hostile: one that is of the same nation, party, or group; one that favors or promotes something (such as a charity); a favored companion: a person included in a list of one's designated connections.
Scriptures:Proverbs 18:24A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
Proverbs 27:9Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.
John 13:35By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Welcome to the Word of the Week. Weekly podcast to enhance your study of the Word of God.
I am your host Orine Newton.
Subscribe and support our show. Email me at candonewton@gmail.com. God Bless You!!
Definition:One attached to another by affection or esteem: one that is not hostile: one that is of the same nation, party, or group; one that favors or promotes something (such as a charity); a favored companion: a person included in a list of one's designated connections.
Scriptures:Proverbs 18:24A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
Proverbs 27:9Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.
John 13:35By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
THOUGHT
What is a friend? How do you categorize the people in your life that you have chosen to call “friend”. How do you determine who reaches what level of friend in your “friend zone”.A friend can range from a casual acquaintance on social media to someone you would protect with your life. A friend can be:o Associates: People you know but do not share a deep connection with like classmates, colleagues.o Acquaintances: Those you interact with occasionally, like neighbors or club members.o Close Friends: Individuals you trust and share significant parts of your life with like childhood friends or confidants.o Best Friends: Those you share your most intimate thoughts and feelings like spouses, lifelong friends.o Friends Close as Family: Friends who transcend the typical boundaries of friendship and are treated with the same love and respect as family members.
Have you considered why you have chosen them as friends:• Motivations: Are your friends valued for who they are or because of what they can do for you?• Reciprocity: Do you embrace friends because they first embraced you?• Similarity: Do your friends share your views, beliefs, and backgrounds?• Diversity: Are there friends in your circle who differ from you in significant ways?
Why did you consider some people unacceptable for friendship with you?• Is it because of how they look, talk, vote?• Do they have a different economic, philosophical, religious or political ideology?
By the way, have you ever miscategorized someone based on outward appearances or speech? Or have you discovered a valuable friendship in someone you initially misjudged?
I ask these questions, because we often “miss our blessing” by allowing internal and external prejudices, assumptions and attitudes dictate how we welcome others to interact with us. We may choose not to be friendly for a variety of complex reasons.
But if we look at being a friend from a biblical perspective reflect on Hebrews 13:1-2, which encourages God’s children to show hospitality to strangers, as some have entertained angels without knowing it.
We are to follow the example of Jesus who called his followers friends. He was hospitable to all. Jesus ate with sinners, forgave, healed, and showed love to all, and asked forgiveness for the people as they were crucifying him.. Following his example means extending love and friendship without prejudice or judgment.
Be friendly and let your light of love shine, and if it is not accepted, pray for those individuals. Even if you can never call them friend, yes, even if they consider themselves your enemy, continue to honor them with love and care, reflecting the light of God’s love.
It may be hard, but it is
What Jesus Would Do!
