"As Iron Sharpens Iron, So a Man Sharpens the Countenance of His Friend"

"Oh, the comfort, the inexpressible comfort, of feeling safe with a person, having neither to weigh thoughts nor measure words, but to pour them all out just as they are, chaff and grain together, knowing that a hand of a faithful friend will take and sift them, keep what is worth keeping, and then, with a breath of kindness blow the rest away." - - George Elliott

I leave this afternoon to spend two nights with two very dear girlfriends at the Lake. I'm looking forward to the sweet fellowship that we will have. I think what I treasure most about these two sweet ladies is that our friendship is based on respect, brotherly love and friendship love. Here are some qualities along with related Scripture that describe these beautiful ladies:

• We can "let our hair down" around each other. We feel safe and comfortable with each other. There is no need for pretences. "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." ~ Ephesians 4:32
• We trust one another completely. We keep each others best interest uppermost in our values. We do not betray things that have been shared in confidence. "A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret." ~ Proverbs 11:13
• We share our innermost fears, anxieties, burdens, insecurities and questions. "Carry each other burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." ~ Galatians 6:2
• We are honest with each other even if it hurts - even if it wounds our pride. If one of us is going down a dangerous path we will not hesitate to sound a loving but firm warning. "Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses" ~ Proverbs 27:6
  
• We take personal responsibility for the relationship and will not allow it to deteriorate even in the aftermath of heated disagreements. Until the air is cleared and the relationship is restored we will not rest. "First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift." ~ Matthew 5:24
• We encourage one another, not find faults. We build each other up and never attempt to put the other person down. "But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness." ~ Hebrews 3:13
• We are faithful prayer partners. We intercede on behalf of each other. "The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." ~ James 5:16

God has placed these two women (among others) in my life and they are one of the greatest gifts I could receive. I pray that I am wise to nurture the friendship we have and never do anything to threaten our relationship.