Covered in
Friendships
They are my sisters to me and like family. Sometimes, these sisters try my patience and make me question why we even became friends. Over the years, we’ve had our share of disagreements and disappointments. I recall one time my very close friend got married and had a baby. Her then-husband was threatened by our friendship and asked her to end it. To my surprise, she called me one day and asked to stop by my house to get some items she left. She also shared that we couldn’t be friends anymore because I was single and her husband wasn’t comfortable with us being friends. I was stunned, saddened, and deeply disappointed but respected her wishes. We didn’t have any contact for nearly two years. I longed for our friendship and missed our time together. After they divorced, one day she called me at work and asked if we could meet for lunch. With her baby in tow, we did and picked up where we left off…smacking our bubble gum and laughing hysterically, taking summer girls trips down south, joining a sorority and loving on my god children. Thank God for reconciliation because since then, she has never left my side. She is always here and continues to be a strong support of me and my children. Allow God to leave room for faith, forgiveness, and reconciliation. Understand that sometimes our closest friends have their own battles. We must believe that God will bring them out of the storm, braver and stronger. God protected our hearts and covered us from what could have been a life of resentment and regret. He gave us a bountiful friendship that continues to flourish.
I have friends that I’ve known and loved for decades…
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as Christ God forgave you.”
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”
“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.”
Reflection Questions
Have you ever forgiven someone and it resulted in a wonderful blessing?
How has God shown you compassion, empathy and forgiveness?
If you enjoyed this devotional, you’ll love the book, “Covered”. Stay connected and share with the author your testimony on how God covered you.