It is so easy as humans to want a friendship for what we can gain from it but not for the purpose of what we can give. We thrive when we gain attention or approval from others. So often we seek that which we can receive from people who just like us seek the approval too. We can really drain others by constantly pulling out of them especially when we are not pouring back in. Is that why that you choose to keep that relationship? Just for the benefit of yourself? Maybe you don't realize you are doing that. Think about the relationships you have in your life and the purpose of each of those.
What do you give for yours friendship? How do you pour into relationships purely for the sake of the other person?
I have learned that at times I feel like I really need my friends. I need their encouragement and support. I also have a need to give that encouragement and support. But when the need is not there, do I still want them? Do I choose them aside from what they can give me? I know I can answer that question positively without a question. Yes, I want them. I am thankful that God has given them to me to help when a need is there but even if they could give me nothing I want their friendship. I desire relationship with them. But I am not dependent on them only for what they can give.
I have learned that at times I feel like I really need my friends. I need their encouragement and support. I also have a need to give that encouragement and support. But when the need is not there, do I still want them? Do I choose them aside from what they can give me? I know I can answer that question positively without a question. Yes, I want them. I am thankful that God has given them to me to help when a need is there but even if they could give me nothing I want their friendship. I desire relationship with them. But I am not dependent on them only for what they can give.
Really, friendships are not where we should find our satisfaction. We are not complete because of them. We are complete because of God. Only God is consistently the one who can pour into you. You are not required to pour yourself back to Him but He will do greater things in and through You when you give yourself wholly to that relationship. It will be the most fulfilling relationship and fulfills where other friendships fail.
I'll leave you with this quote by CS Lewis, "Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art…It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things that gives value to survival."
Renember the One who satisfies and don't take for granted the blessing of friendship.
I'll leave you with this quote by CS Lewis, "Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art…It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things that gives value to survival."
Renember the One who satisfies and don't take for granted the blessing of friendship.
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