When he went through a devastating tragedy that left him without family, flocks or fortunes, Job's so-called friends came for a visit. Only adding to his grief, they did everything possible to convince Job that his lack of obedience had brought God's judgment upon him and pressed Job to confess, to them, no less. This brought Job to the brink of doubt and dispair. God rescued him and restored Job's losses, but not before the "friends" had done their damage and then disappeared.
Today, I am thanking God for friends. Pastors do not have a pastor. But we experience the troubles of life just like everyone else. We have the same pain, grief, concerns and emotions, and there is often no one to share these with. One of the most important functions of a pastors' conference is to provide a time of sharing and encouragement. It also fosters friendships. Most of us have acquintances but not friends. A friendship is not temporary. An acquaintance usually is temporary. Friendships cross political lines and do not care if I am a Republican, a Democrat or neither. Friends care about me as a person. Friends respect my opinions. They pray for me when I am in need.
I hope I have been a friend and not just an acquaintance.
Today, I am thanking God for friends. Pastors do not have a pastor. But we experience the troubles of life just like everyone else. We have the same pain, grief, concerns and emotions, and there is often no one to share these with. One of the most important functions of a pastors' conference is to provide a time of sharing and encouragement. It also fosters friendships. Most of us have acquintances but not friends. A friendship is not temporary. An acquaintance usually is temporary. Friendships cross political lines and do not care if I am a Republican, a Democrat or neither. Friends care about me as a person. Friends respect my opinions. They pray for me when I am in need.
I hope I have been a friend and not just an acquaintance.
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