Befriend: Focus on God and not man
I recently visited a befriendee at The Helping Hand, a regular commitment to ensure he’s doing well and to maintain our connection. As his befriender, it’s my duty to attentively listen to his concerns, understand his past experiences, and engage with what’s happening in his life.
After close to 25 minutes, his conversations often revolve around his personal experiences or involve discussions about others. And a few reflections came to mind, which I felt compelled to share with him.
For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.
This verse has become my anchor this year, reminding me to focus primarily on Christ and His sacrifice, above all else, including my family, though God always remains my top priority.
Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.
I encouraged him to concentrate on trusting God rather than overly focusing on human approval or opinions, as I have found this focus on divine trust to be a guiding principle in my own life.
Better the little that the righteous have than the wealth of many wicked; for the power of the wicked will be broken, but the LORD upholds the righteous.
Recognizing a hint of jealousy in our conversation about others, I advised him that our spiritual wealth and righteousness far outweigh material possessions.
For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, 'Abba, Father.
This verse reminds both ourselves that we are not to live in fear but as children of God, privileged to call Him “Abba, Father.”
Who has done this and carried it through, calling forth the generations from the beginning? I, the LORD—with the first of them and with the last—I am he.
Finally, I shared the Isaiah 41:10 to remind ourselves as well that God is eternal, He is the Alpha and the Omega, present from the beginning to the end.
We concluded our session with a heartfelt prayer for both his and my needs, thanking God for the blessings of our connection and the insights gained during our session.
Thank you, Lord, for the profound impact of these meetings and the spiritual growth they foster.