With this in mind, I wrote out what I call my Friendship Pledge. Basically, what it truly means to be a Friend like Christ.
I'm worried, though, because I know I don't have it in me. Yes, my DESIRE is there- to be THIS kind of friend, to love like Christ- but this is not something you can drum up within yourself. And so before I (personally) sign my name to this for my individual friends, I want to take time to pray. Really pray, that God would enable me to love like Christ.
Friendship Pledge
My duty to You, my Friend
My Love for you will be constant, beyond
any temporary circumstance or emotion. I will ‘bear all things,’ loving you,
regardless. Regardless of myself. Regardless of thoughtless words, or actions.
Regardless of hurt feelings or little squabbles. I will love unconditionally,
as Christ has loved me.
My Love for you will be prayerful. I
recognize the greatest help I can give you is to bring You before our Father.
To pray daily for your strength, encouragement, peace and growth.
My Love for you will be complete, not
restricted to one part. I will care for the well-being of your body, mind and
spirit. I will embrace you in your joy, in your pain, in your anger, in your
sorrow. I will laugh when you laugh,
weep when you weep.
My Love for you will be unrestrained. To
love in abandon, not fearing hurt or pain. To love fully, purely. I
will not hold back on account of selfish vulnerability.
My Love for you will be Trusting. I will
trust your hands, in the way you trust mine. I will turn away from any slander or mis-use of your name. I will
not be quick to doubt, judge, condemn, but will ‘hope all things’.
My Love for you will play the background.
It will not be a showy love, or demanding of your time and attention. But it
will always be there. A platform to stand on, to lean on, to fall on. I will be
the supporting role, the color that brings out your eyes, the music that
enhances your entrance.
My Love for you will be Truth. I will not
just look for your happiness, but for your well-being. To say ‘no’ or shout ‘yes’ honestly in every
situation. To advise, council and guide in humility as the need arises.
My Love for you will be Sacrificial. To go
the extra mile, the giving of the cloak, and to do so joyfully. To receive the
late night calls, to endure the cold rain, to die daily to self, so that you
may be comforted, safe, and thriving.
To remain above all, faithful and steadfast
in Love.
With
the Help of the Holy Spirit I pray these things, in Jesus name
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