A friend's look

Proverbs 15:30

“A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.” (Proverbs 15:30)

Encouragement, a Rare Practice

A practice rarely seen nowadays is that of giving encouragement. Unfortunately, we are more inclined to retaliate against the offenses we receive than to forgive. We hurt others when we are hurt, and we respond to evil with even greater attacks. This happens even with the people we love. We follow this natural tendency, always more inclined to criticize and disapprove of others than to show empathy and encourage them to improve. But we know that this is not the desire of God's heart...

The Lord Jesus, even after being betrayed by one of his closest disciples, referred to him as "friend." When Peter denied him three times, Jesus looked at him with a friendly gaze, without condemnation. And after he rose from the dead, Jesus did not exclude him. On the contrary, the angel instructed the disciples and Peter to meet the Lord in Galilee.

Following Christ’s Example

In the same way, Jesus deals with us. Despite our failures, He forgives us and encourages us to meet with Him. And God also desires that we be good friends, kind, and that we encourage one another.

Follow the good example of Christ:

Pray and ask God to help you be a person who brings encouragement to everyone around you.

Be a good friend! Jesus showed in practice how we should be: peaceful and kind, even when we are not treated that way.

Seek strength in Christ to forgive and treat others in a gentle and friendly manner. He is the one who equips us.

Fill your mind and heart with the Word of God! Read, study, and meditate on the Bible daily.

This will help you grow in the likeness of Christ, in love and action.

Be a Positive Influence

Be a good influence on others so that they do not become a heavy burden, but instead bring encouragement and comfort to those around them, just like Jesus.

Prayer:

Lord God, thank you for sending Jesus to give us the best example of how to live. Thank you for being the best friend, for forgiving us without holding grudges for the wrongs we’ve done. Forgive me for being so resentful and harsh with my friends, my family, and my brothers and sisters in faith. Teach me to be more like you. It is by becoming more like you that I can be a better friend, loving and giving encouragement instead of criticizing and being indifferent. May everyone around me find in me a glimpse of the goodness and serenity that Jesus exuded to all. I ask this in Jesus’ name, amen.