Relationships are difficult, challenging, but something that most people desire to have anyways. Worldly relationships and godly relationships look completely different, or at least they should. The worldly relationship is usually about self, what can “I” get from it, how can “my” needs be fulfilled. The godly relationship is about “others”, what can I do to help “them” become a better person and bring “them” closer to the Lord Jesus? One of the greatest misconceptions about relationships is that they exist primarily to make us happy. While healthy relationships certainly bring joy, God often uses them to make us holy. The people He places in our lives become mirrors that reveal areas where we still need His transforming grace. A faithful friend celebrates our victories, but they also lovingly point out our blind spots. Though correction may sting for a moment, it can become one of God’s greatest gifts because it leads us closer to His Son. There are many people that are caught up in overcoming the pain of their past that is affecting their present, and if not dealt with, it will influence their future as well. Many times people try to go at life alone because of the damage that has already been done and the trauma that they have experienced. I know that I have been guilty of this very thing more times than I care to admit. Healing from past wounds is also rarely meant to happen in isolation. While there are seasons when God draws us away to spend time alone with Him, He never intended His children to walk the Christian life by themselves. The church is described as the body of Christ because every member has a purpose in strengthening another. God often answers our prayers for healing through the encouragement, accountability, wisdom, and compassion of fellow believers. Sometimes the very people we are hesitant to trust become the instruments God uses to restore what was broken. We tend to forget the true value of a friend. It is written in *Ecclesiastes 4:9 Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor. 10 For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up. 11 Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; But how can one be warm alone? 12 Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.* When it comes to the threefold cord in a friendship, it is having God in the middle of it and making every part of your life involve Him. Those that are bound together in Christ will have a companionship that even the enemy cannot break no matter how hard he tries, and believe me he tries with more impact than we can imagine. A godly friendship is one in which both people continually point each other toward the Lord Jesus. It is not built upon convenience, shared hobbies, or even emotional support alone, but upon a mutual desire to glorify God, know His word , and be filled with the Holy Spirit. Such friends pray for one another, encourage one another in truth, lovingly confront sin when necessary, forgive quickly, and rejoice in each other’s spiritual growth. When Christ remains at the center, the relationship becomes stronger than either person could make it on their own. I like what Charles Spurgeon said about this topic, “Get a friend to tell you your faults, or better still, welcome an enemy who will watch you keenly and sting you savagely. What a blessing such an irritating critic will be to a wise man, what an intolerable nuisance to a fool!” One of the ways God strengthens my relationships is through loving correction. While encouragement is essential, so is having someone who is willing to speak the truth in love, even when it is difficult to hear. I have come to see that God will use a variety of people and circumstances to transform His children to sanctify and purify them. Sometimes He uses faithful friends to encourage us. Other times He uses those who disagree with us, criticize us, or even oppose us to expose pride, impatience, unforgiveness, or misplaced confidence. In every case, His desire is not to condemn us but to conform us to Christ. The process may not be the most pleasurable but the results were to die for. Lately, for myself, I have found the “correction of a friend” a blessing, as well as the “blessing in an adversary” meaning that even in difficult situations involving opposition or enemies, there can be positive outcomes or lessons learned, leading to personal growth, resilience, and a deeper understanding of God’s plans, the truth of who I truly am before Him, and how others genuinely feel about me. God has used difficult people and uncomfortable situations to test, refine, and/or teach me because there have been times when I wouldn’t learn any other way. In essence, finding a blessing in an adversary involves recognizing that even difficult relationships can be opportunities for growth, learning, and positive change. And sometimes the most difficult person in my life to deal with is the person in the mirror, because most of the time I am my own worst enemy.

My BeLoved, may the grace and peace of the Lord Jesus, the love of God the Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. Amen. In Christ Love, douglas. HE>i. pastord.blog

Special Note: I want to thank those who read what I write and are encouraged to support the ministry God has entrusted to me either one time or have decided to give on a monthly basis. I am encouraged to see certain verses playing out before my eyes like what is written in *Philippians 4:16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.*

To any who are interested, please feel free to reach out to me with prayer requests, questions, encouragement, or for information on how to come alongside me with financial support at pastord.blog@gmail.com or I do have a Zelle account associated with my phone number, 5202720387 last name Blaser. Thank you my Beloved for your ongoing prayers and support.