Have you had a friendship that you thought was divine? A connection that you believe was God ordained or a supernatural circumstance that brought you and a friend together? These relationships are special and rare but truly a blessing when it happens.
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Unfortunately, some of our friendships end because of certain characteristics which can be bitter and hurtful.
Some of these character issues can be toxic to our relationship and as much as we hate to sever the friendship, we have to realize that it’s unhealthy to be in those relationships.
There are several characteristics that can make or break a relationship.
We could probably all identify with some of the ones that have challenged our relationships or perhaps even put an end to it:
- Envy- a feeling of uneasiness at the other person’s superior excellence or resentment at another’s prosperity or success.
- Jealousy-an uneasiness that arises from fear that another will come to enjoy some advantages which we desire for ourselves.
- Competition-competing for attention, position, friends, material possessions, the Jones mentality, etc.
- Selfishness- Self absorbed and has no regard or feelings towards the other person.
This is to name a few…we could write a separate post for strife, gossip and betrayal.
I’ve had to re-evaluate some relationships over the years. Some, were what I called toxic friendships.
Toxins are chemicals that are harmful to the body and sometimes can cause sickness, disease and even cancer.
I refuse to have toxins in my life and realize that to be healthy spiritually and emotionally, these toxic relationships must be removed.
It’s not always easy, but in the end, it’s a healthy move and liberating.
I believe that divine friendships are built upon principles that should be reciprocated and produce a deep, rich and meaningful relationship.
We all desire true genuine relationships and these are often hard to find. Like hidden treasures, you have to seek to find them and hang onto them.
Treasures are valuable & so are divine friendships. I believe these are traits found in divine friendships:
- Love- a true friend will walk in love at all times. Sometimes you may disagree or differ, but a true friend will love you at all times even through those disagreements.
- Loyal-Someone who doesn’t betray your confidence.
- Unselfish-a friend who Looks not to their own interests, but also the interest of the others
- Non-Critical-Does not judge or criticize for short comings, but always give positive affirmations.
- Speaks the truth in love-Doesn’t just say what the friend wants to hear, but being honest without being hurtful.
- Faithful- True to allegiance with one another
- Integrity- Keeps their word, dependable, reliable, will not let you down. (Doesn’t mean being perfect, but efforts are made to show integrity)
I’m sure I haven’t been perfect at the above, but I endeavor to have these qualities and as the saying goes, “let another man praise you and not from your own lips.” I’ll leave this up to my friends to judge.
“It’s not the quantity of friends that enrich our lives; but the quality of friendships that we are surrounded with.” D.S
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