Some of you may not have the Apocrypha in your Bible unless you have a more recent Study Bible. Sirach is one of the books found in it, and are often called Catholic scriptures. But they have much insight and have been accepted for centuries. Today's reading is a good lesson on true friendship.
“Pleasant speech gains more friends for itself, and a sweet-speaking tongue will multiply pleasant exchanges. Let those who are at peace with you be many, but let only one in a thousand be your advisor. If you make friends, test them thoroughly and don’t trust them quickly. Some are friends when it is convenient, but they won’t stay around during hard times. There are friends who turn into enemies, and they will reveal your disgraceful arguments. There are friends who are companions at your table, but they won’t stay during hard times. They will act as if your belongings are theirs, and they will be bold toward your household slaves. If you are brought low, they will be against you, and they will abandon you. Stay away from your enemies, and be careful with your friends. Trustworthy friends are a strong shelter; whoever finds one has found a treasure. Trustworthy friends have no price, and no one can estimate their worth. Trustworthy friends are life’s medicine, and those who fear the Lord will find them. Those who fear the Lord will direct their friendships well, because they will associate with people of like mind.” (Sirach 6:5–17, CEB)
Since becoming a pastor I have found it difficult to make and keep close friends. Most of it is my own fault because I'm a bit anxious about being vulnerable with members of my congregation. I often think that if I let my hair down too far, I won't be taken seriously as a spiritual leader, or if people knew the "real me" they wouldn't trust that I'm a true Christian.
The truth is, this is all of us, regardless of our vocation. Most of us are uncomfortable with vulnerability and so many of our friendships are kept at arms length. We need not only a circle of friends, but we truly need those close, trustworthy friends who know us intimately and love us anyway!
Recognizing our need for these kinds of friends, Peggy and I decided that we are not going to hide our true selves and that we were going to seek close friendships. Over the years we have made some amazing friends and are nurturing and always seeking new friendships even now.
And we are richer for it.
We have lists of people who will pray for us, encourage us, call us, rebuke us, but mostly just love us for who we are. They are for us "Jesus with skin" most of the time, helping us to experience what this friendship with God really can look like. In fact, I'm not sure our relationship with Christ can even begin to take on the intimacy it needs to without human friendships that help us experience what it should look and feel like.
Yes, we need friends. And you probably have them. Make a list of your closest friends today. And maybe it would be a good day to say thanks to them for sticking close to you...
...for being Jesus with skin.
Peace ><>
Pastor Chris
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