Sufficient In Christ

Sufficient in Christ

Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.

A close friend once dated my ex-boyfriend after he and I broke up. To be fair, she asked if it was okay beforehand, and I agreed. It wasn’t her fault that I was lying about how I felt. But as time went on, that seed of unforgiveness took root and began to flourish. Our friendship, once strong, faltered. I started spending more time with other friends and didn’t make as much of an effort with my old friend. And, as a result, we drifted apart.

I have a few regrets in my life, and that lost friendship is one of them. How foolish to give up a precious, trusted friend because of a temporary relationship. How stubborn to continue in my dishonesty—lying by omission—rather than owning up to the hurt I felt. I squandered a friendship that spanned years, all for a boy I had dated for a few short months.

With the wisdom of hindsight, I now understand why that season felt hurtful—my hurt was rooted in the lie that I was not good enough. It’s a lie that even today I struggle to conquer. I’ve held on to bitterness when someone critiques my parenting skills. I’ve felt resentment toward those I perceive as smarter, more talented, or more beautiful. I’ve masked my authentic self in the hope of impressing others—all because I’m afraid I don’t measure up.

Scripture teaches us that as Christians we are called to something more, something better. As beloved children of God, we can experience holy confidence in who we are and who he has called us to be. Because we know that his grace is all we need and his power is made perfect in our weaknesses, we can experience the freedom Jesus offers by letting go of the resentment, bitterness, and unforgiveness that seek to entangle us. May we instead recognize our value in Christ and have the confidence to pursue true, honest, and authentic friendships.

— Kristin

— Today’s Act of Friendship —

Choose to forgive a friend for a hurt they caused, whether knowingly or unknowingly.