"A man that hath friends must show himself friendly" (Proverbs 18:24).
Reciprocity characterizes all good and genuine relationship. To paraphrase Solomon's wisdom, we must be a friend in order to have a friend.
This includes every relationship in the born again believer's life. "How can I glorify the Lord Jesus Christ and how can I be a blessing of His grace and truth to _____ ?" Such a sensibility and determination must govern family relationships, friendships, fellowship with other believers, work associations, involvement with neighbors, and even those casual contacts we see in everyday life that are actually not casual at all. Our Heavenly Father ordains our relationships to reveal the person and work of the Lord Jesus in us and by us. Not only do we show ourselves friendly by this devotion to the glory of God. More importantly, we show Himas friendly to our world. We reveal His desire for living and involved relationship with every person as we acknowledge and submit ourselves to the primary purpose of our bonds with people.
How we show ourselves friendly to other rests in our Lord’s wisdom, leading and enabling. Our role involves the acknowledgement of this sublime purpose, and the devotion of ourselves to God and people. We expect our Lord’s leadership, and the power of Christ to enable us to be what people in our sphere of influence need us to be.
"I am yours, Lord, for ______." We do well to consciously affirm this truth regarding every person in our lives. Upon this basis, our Heavenly Father illuminates a path wherein we rejoice in the truth that our relationships are never merely human or casual in their origin and significance. The Divine graces all, as an unseen Third Party involves Himself for the glory and revelation of His Son.
"O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together."
(Psalm 34:3)
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