Daily journey of goodness: friendship

The many concerns that people face today will cause a person to lose faith and not able to lead a Christian and rewarding daily journey of goodness. But the hope of developing into a principle and moral person is only in the asking of help from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We don't always have the privilege of choosing the people we come in contact with on a daily basics. We can't choose the people we work with, attend church with or even family members. Everybody would appreciate a relationship with righteous and concerned persons that will add to our own beliefs of integrity.
In growing and getting to know people, we will learn to keep co-workers on a professional and work environment level. We shouldn't get too involved in each other's personal lives or share information that would cause conflict on the job. Many of us have been blessed with close friends and the richness of an honest and devoted relationship is comforting and to have similar interest to keep it faithful is a true commitment that should come from both parties. The purest from of love is the faithful and loyal promise to be there for each other.
Embrace the idea to broaden your circle of acquaintances or friends and be grateful for what each can bring to your life. Everyday we hear disappointing news of the betrayer of the truth once enlisted in a person and it bring about the question, why? The very best friend we can have is, of course, our heavenly Father. God has created us, saved us and given us an eternal home. That's the kind of friend any person should need to please and serve. Giving back to Him is all he asks, our time, our obedience and our witness. We will only witness the best results of a fruitful and bless life. Ezekiel 29:32. While we learn of all the miracles Jesus Christ shared in his disciples lives and preparing them for the mission of preaching and teaching to reach the world with the Gospel. We should never doubt the sincerity of his friendship.
All relationships should be a two-way dedication of giving and receiving. It should not be of only the material nature, be of good and adoring gestures of love. People have different opinions and it is only right to allow a person to express views of beliefs in a matured manner and wait for as the results of another person as a show of respect. We need good communication between friends to understand others and the willingness to value the separation of objection to some views and stick to ones convictions. We should not limit ourselves to the amazing variety of people there is to get to know.
Don't get into gossip. It hurts. It damages. Life circumstances are continually changing and I get the biggest laugh out of some things that people do and I don't understand why. I know that sounds heartless, but I say to myself " I know that person knew better" We need to just plain "think" before acting. Our heavenly father teaches that who put themselves first will find themselves opposed by God. (James 4:6). Being an honest friend will stop some people from acting foolishly. People have so much on their minds with war, money, jobs and medical services being the most important to them. Being present for these difficult times for a friend is comforting and it is our God given duty to be near our friends. As we recognize that we can do nothing of value apart from the Lord. If we are misunderstood or treated unfairly, stay dedicated until the Lord speaks to us and gives direction.
Jesus offers to be our master teacher so we might learn the godly lessons of humility. We should allow him to serve us in this way.
God bless.
I am hopeful. You be also.

Loretta Thomas–Whiteside is a New Herald neighborhood writer.