Perfect Friends
Do you have a perfect friend?
Perhaps you readily answered that with a ‘no’ because you’re keenly aware of their flaws, or just recognize that we’re all imperfect. Or perhaps you’re inventorying the list of people in your life that have the appearance of perfection in their ability to manage many tasks, maintain a trim, athletic figure, and exude the social graces… continuously, of course.
This week, in particular, I was blessed by several friends. They listened intently to my pain, eager to share the burden. They cast no judgement, yet willingly spoke truth, because they love me. They will continue to pray for, and with, me. My time with them leaves me feeling affirmed and spurred on to run the race marked out for me (Hebrews 12:1). Afterwards, I specifically thanked God, recognizing them each as a gift in my life.
To acknowledge them as gifts made me mindful of James’ words on God’s gifts to us:
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
— James 1:17 ESV
perfect (teleios)
wanting nothing necessary to completeness
Essentially, perfect means that something is finished or complete… lacking nothing, as also noted in For Full Effect.
Our friends, like everything we receive from Him, are good and perfect gifts from God. This doesn’t mean they are perfect in their own right, but rather that we should view them as His perfect tools to accomplish His purpose: to render us into His likeness.
I find it more difficult to ascribe this ‘perfect’ description to friends who aren’t as quick to offer 
their encouragement or support, those whose seem to challenge or irritate me instead. Yet, the Lord appoints His agents in each of our lives, which makes them all perfect for us – whether it feels like it or not. This is exactly what I think Proverbs 27:17 implies. In the sharpening process our characters are refined through His chosen implements. The fire may be hot, and the anvil unyielding, but the result of the sharpening is a mature disciple, well-suited to the task of making Christ known.
Perhaps, then, all of our friends are perfect.
For whom can you thank God for using to mature and sharpen you, even though your relationship may not be without the sparks that fly when iron rubs on iron?
Linked up with Beholding Glory.
Kirsten, I love this perspective. It’s right on the money. Thanks for sharing and making me think a little more deeply about the friendships in our lives. We do well to remember none of us are “perfect” in the world’s economy…and grace is a necessary ingredient to any relationship.
Love ya!
Jeannette
Kirsten, I love this perspective. It’s right on the money. Thanks for sharing and making me think a little more deeply about the friendships in our lives. We do well to remember none of us are “perfect” in the world’s economy…and grace is a necessary ingredient to any relationship.
Love ya!
Jeannette
Thanks, Jeannette! Grace makes all perfect!
Good stuff, Kirsten! That’s the beauty of God blessing us with friends for all occasions.
Good stuff, Kirsten! That’s the beauty of God blessing us with friends for all occasions.
My wife says I’m perfect, which never made any sense to me. Finally, I understand what she means! 🙂
My wife says I’m perfect, which never made any sense to me. Finally, I understand what she means! 🙂
Right on, Charlie! Whether you’re encouraging or frustrating, you’re still God’s perfect agent in her life. Love it.
My wife says I’m perfect, which never made any sense to me. Finally, I understand what she means! 🙂
My wife says I’m perfect, which never made any sense to me. Finally, I understand what she means! 🙂
Right on, Charlie! Whether you’re encouraging or frustrating, you’re still God’s perfect agent in her life. Love it.