I am Joseph, an author, blogger, and content writer from Nigeria. In the field of writing, I deliver unique, grammatically correct, and plagiarism-free content. Currently, I work with three online firms specializing in motivation, human capacity development, lifestyle, relationship, and spiritual writings. You can find Joseph on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/2228667160717043
Reaping the Benefit of the Pain of Friendship By Joseph Akinrinola To every relationship come both pain and gain. Whether it is a horizontal or vertical relationship or friendship, there is always something to gain and lose. Horizontal friendship is a relationship between people or groups of equal status, while vertical friendship is that of a relationship between people or groups of unequal status. In any case, each party in the relationship will have the pain to bear. At the same time, there is a gain or benefit to enjoy. However, to reap the benefit of the pain of a friendship depends on your disposition to such pain. I believe what happened to you is not as important as your reaction to it. While some build a wall with the stones of the pain in their relationship, others build a bridge for a better and fruitful relationship. Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend. (Proverbs 27:17 KJV)
Look at sharpening your knife or cutlass. Both the grinder and the knife have something to gain and lose. For the gain, the knife becomes sharp while the grinder fulfills its purpose as a grinder. But note both the knife and the grinder loses a bit of their body. This is the painful part. The same principle applies to a fruitful relationship. Then, how do you reap the benefits of the pain of a relationship or friendship? 1. Surround yourself with people who will tell you the truth. You don’t truly love your child if you will shield him from the pain of injection if need be. You should have a few friends that will not mince words when you are wrong, as many who would not hurt your feelings. Equally, be ready to accept the truth. People tell you either what you want to hear or what you need to hear. King Ahab fits into this situation. (2 Chronicles 18:1-27) He had multitudes that will make him feel good and a person who will tell the raw truth. The only way to benefit from the hurts of friendship is to be ready to accept the truth.
Let us go over this scripture to dissect the benefits associated with pains in any relationship. This principle could apply to any relationship. Whether it is marriage, church, community, business, or social relationship there will always be gains and pain. Often 2. You should always be concerned about the result. it comes as rejection, disappointment, abuse, ungrate- The scriptures say, “Now no chastening for the presfulness, backstabbing, betrayer, etc. ent seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. (Hebrews 12:14 KJV) In any painful situation, look beyond the pain to the gain. “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2 KJV) 58
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