Wise Friendships = Good Medicine
Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing. —Proverbs 12:18
A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22
As I'm writing these blogs and contemplating this theme on gaining wisdom, I have noticed an interesting phenomenon. The topics that deal with relationships are the ones that are the well-received. In thinking about where we as women find our strength and wisdom OR our foolishness, it often rests in our relationships with others. So it's no wonder the topics on relations are the ones that are the most popular!
In a previous blog I discussed fleeing from foolish relationships. But this month I spent time in God's word exploring and reflecting on what our healthy and wise relationships should look like. I discovered it's much simpler than it is complicated—it's kind words, a shared laugh, and simply a smile. These healing behaviors are found in solid, wise friendships. I can recognize these wise friendships because these relationships leave me feeling whole and joyful instead of feeling fractured, crushed, and/or bitter. These friends help cultivate the Fruit of the Spirit in me (Galatians 5:22-23).
This past weekend I had one of those simple encounters with a friend. I poured out my soul on something I was going through to a friend—and in return I received her smile, her "hang in there", and then a few laughs, mutually finding the silliness in the situation. There is simplicity in wise friendships, and it's simply—joy.
A cheerful look brings joy to the heart. —Proverbs 15:30
So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing. —1 Thessalonians 5:11
Dr. Beth Ackerman is the Associate Dean, School of Education, at Liberty University.
