Sharon Sloan

Delighted by His Word. Dependent on His Grace.

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Promise Your Friend You Will Never Dishonor Her

June 9, 2010 | 9 Comments

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Ephesians 4:29-32

Almost two years ago, I read a beautiful post on my friend Lysa’s blog that impressed my heart deeply. Every day, sometimes several times a day, the Lord has brought this to my mind. He has used it to refine me, purify me, convict me and encourage me. I am so thankful.

Lysa wrote this post titled “Refusing to Gossip”. In it, she shared this beautiful gift she received from her friend and executive assistant, Holly. I consider Holly a friend, too. She is a sweetheart (and a fellow Pennsylvania native!), and I know she is a treasure beyond words to Lysa. Here is a snippet from Lysa’s post:

“One day Holly gave me a unique gift that made my heart feel forever safe with her. Though it wasn’t costly to her, it wound up being priceless to me. She committed to me that she would never say anything dishonoring about me ever. It was actually more than just a commitment to me, it was a covenant promise she’d made with God. I can’t even express what peace this brought to my heart. It’s not that I feared my other friends were gossiping about me. I did not. And I can’t say that my other friends wouldn’t make this same promise. They probably would. But Holly verbalized this commitment in a very bold way. A way that has defined our friendship and built a beautiful trust that is rare between women.”

I just love how Holly “verbalized this commitment in a very bold way”. While I believe God has given me some precious friends who would never dishonor me, I love how Holly verbalized that to Lysa. I have made the same covenant with the Lord as a gift for some precious friendships with which He has blessed me. My heart is thankful and reverent before Him for the friends He has given me. “…let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe…” Hebrews 12:28

Have you said something to dishonor a friend? Or have you dishonored a friend by NOT speaking up on their behalf when you could have? Has your body language (rolling eyes, etc.) dishonored a friend? Ask for forgiveness from that friend. Make a covenant before the Lord and verbalize it boldly to your friend(s). Your covenant before the Lord and priceless gift to your friend will build “a beautiful trust that is rare between women.”

Daily the Lord uses Holly’s beautiful expression of love, loyalty and friendship in my life. Daily. I am encouraged, challenged and convicted. Thank you, Holly! I pray HE blesses you to full and overflowing! Your obedience has touched my life in ways I’ll never be able to express. Love you!

Lord, one of the purest ways I can honor You is by not dishonoring one of Your children.

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Filed Under: Joy in the Truth

Comments

  1. Unknown says

    June 9, 2010 at 8:59 pm

    I love this Sharon, Thank you
    Love Nicol

    Reply
  2. Unknown says

    June 9, 2010 at 8:59 pm

    BEAUTIFUL!

    I love this too Sharon!

    Hugs and much love,
    Jill

    Reply
  3. Joyful says

    June 9, 2010 at 9:01 pm

    Oh Sharon, the words of that post have forever stayed with me…and…as well…the impact Holly has had on my life. I too have used her example and made a similar promise to uphold that beautiful trust that is rare among women.

    Thanks for sharing this again. Holly is a very special friend and an example of a woman pursuing the heart of God.
    Blessings,
    Joy

    Reply
  4. Unknown says

    June 9, 2010 at 9:07 pm

    I remember that post. I enjoyed meeting both those gals at She Speaks and treasure reading their posts.

    Reply
  5. Mich says

    June 9, 2010 at 9:25 pm

    Love this.

    Happy Wednesday!

    Reply
  6. Sarah says

    June 10, 2010 at 11:49 pm

    This is wonderful! What a beautiful gift to give and receive.

    Hugs from the desert,
    Sara

    Reply
  7. LeeAnn@Encouragement Is Contagious says

    June 11, 2010 at 4:54 pm

    So very true Sharon and I love the way Holly made this known to Lysa. I treasure my friends who I know without a shadow of a doubt honor me in this way.

    Reply
  8. sdas says

    June 12, 2010 at 9:53 pm

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    Reply
  9. Heather says

    June 13, 2010 at 12:11 pm

    When we speak of precious gifts, this is truly one of them. This post, Sharon makes me even more mindful that I want to be an encourager, a spirit that lifts not deflates. Truly, in our friendships, it should be a safe zone. Thank you for this beautiful reminder that even the roll of our eyes can dishonor people we love. What a treasure to hide this deep in our hearts that we not forget the covenant, spoken or unspoken that exists among friends.

    Love you!
    Heather

    Reply

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