Titus 2 Friendships
Last week I promised to give you some characteristics of a “Titus 2 type” of friendship. If you didn’t read that post, I hope you’ll click here to check it out.
Within the Titus 2 passage there is a valuable word of exhortation that should be a vital aspect of our friendships:
[box]“Encourage the young women to . . .be sensible” (verse 5).[/box]
This one little word is packed with meaning. It’s the Greek word, sóphrón: to be of sound mind, self-controlled, temperate. To operate with this mindset is to use wisdom—taking the knowledge of the Word of God and applying it practically to the demands of daily life in order to live life to God’s glory.
To be a “sóphrón” woman means that your behavior is directed by God’s truth rather than driven by your emotions.
With that in mind, let’s look at a few truths that should drive our behavior when it comes to our relationships with our friends.
- Listen well (Proverbs 15:28; 18:13)
- Don’t get caught up in the emotions of the situation, but be sensible in your reaction (Proverbs 31:25-26)
- Be a source of godly comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3–7)
- Communicate messages of hope, grace, and truth (Ephesians 4:29; Colossians 4:6; Proverbs 24:14; 27:6)
- Demonstrate faith (Hebrews 11:1; Psalm 56:3–4)
- Be an iron-sharpening-friend by humbly suggesting ways for her to practically apply the truth of God’s Word (Proverbs 22:17; 25:11–12)
- Be discreet and confidential (Proverbs 25:9b)
- Direct her to the One who has all wisdom as her ultimate counselor (Psalm 9:9–10; 91)
- Pray with her and commit to prayer intercession for her (Colossians 1:10–12)
You may be reading this post and thinking “I want a friend like that!”
Be a friend like that. And then ask God to bring friends into your life who will point you to truth when you are struggling.
How about it?
Will you develop Titus 2 friendships? Women need these kinds of relationships.
5 Comments
Paula
Did I already tell you I really enjoy your blogs when I’m able to read them?! Thank you so much for pointing us towards Christ and giving us examples in the Word. It’s good to be directed to the Word ALWAYS! =) It has a way of refocusing on where our focus should be. Philippians 4:8 Much love and prayers always!
Kimberly Wagner
Hello Paula ~
Thank you dear friend for the sweet encouragement. It really helps to receive a comment like this, most days I’m thinking . . . “Is anyone reading? Is this ministering to ANYONE??” So, your note provides a precious affirmation that someone today was directed to the Word and pointed to Christ, and that’s all that matters 🙂
Love to you dear one ~
Vivian Etherington
I am so grateful that very soon after I was brought into a relationship with Christ, He gave me several friends like this. Because of that, my friendships are characterized by the things you mention here. What a gift from God are friends who point us to Him and His Word, with a heart of genuine love! Thank you for being one of those! And just by the way,I do read your blog every day; I just don’t always comment.
Kimberly Wagner
You are blessed, Viv, to have a circle of friends like that . . . and they are blessed to have you! (And by the way . . . thanks for your encouragement here!)
Sophie
We women are definitely reading your posts Kimberly!!
I LOVE your book: “Fierce Women”!
It will be a book that I will reread throughout my life!!