The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7
Last week, I talked about friends and family and how, for me, there is no difference. How it is important to cultivate those family/friend relationships that build us up in God and His plan for our lives.
This is the continuation of that discussion.
I grew up the third of three siblings, raised by very overprotective parents. For those of you out there who were raised by overprotective parents, you'll know what I'm talking about. Growing up, much of what I learned about the world, was a magnified distortion of what the world and the people in it, were all about.
My parents taught me, if anything to be skeptical and untrusting of everyone, as a result, I, being the rebel I am, trusted EVERYONE!
That is NOT a good thing to do either.
I've spent the better part of eight years unlearning those magnified distortions. Learning that, before you can accept and love anyone outside of you, you have to accept and love yourself first. If you are a square peg in a round hole like me, fitting in isn't an easy task. Romans chapter 12 teaches us that we are not to be conformed by the world, but be instead, transformed by the renewing of our minds.
That's part of learning about people, forming relationships with people, reaching out to people and knowing what people to steer clear from. Part of being family and friends is to sharpen each other in ways that bring us in the path of God, that help us to learn the ways of God so that our relationship with HIm strengthens the relationships we have with each other. Lastly, being friends and family means telling each other the blunt, honest truth in a way that guides and supports without tearing each other down. Blessings, Liz Ciccone
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