Friends are like sweet perfume

"The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense."Proverbs 27:9 New Living Translation

Think about a dear friend. The person with whom you can be true and vulnerable without judgment. You share laughs, cries, and even anger together. Friends, walk with you by listening, holding space, emotionally connecting, and communicating you are not alone. For me, the thoughts of my friends bring feelings of calm and warmth. I treasure my friends.

Friends are more than good to have around. They are necessary for life because friendship is the connection we need to feel safe and valued in the world. Today, this is true in our world more than ever. Friendship creates a safe space in the midst of chaos for finding emotional and mental comfort, sharing secrets that need to be heard, and even revealing wounds that need to be healed. Friends possess a unique ability to understand our deepest thoughts and emotions. They listen with empathy, offering a safe space for us to share our burdens and fears. Their counsel, rooted in sincerity and genuine care, becomes a fragrant offering, filling the air with a sense of warmth and understanding.

This beautiful language describes a friend as a fragrant perfume and it’s true. Just as a carefully chosen perfume can leave a lingering presence even after its application, the words of a trusted friend linger in our hearts long after they are spoken. Their counsel has the power to reshape our perspective, to offer guidance in moments of confusion or doubt. When we face difficult decisions or navigate through the complexities of life, it is invaluable to have someone who can lend their wisdom and support. Like the aroma of incense, their counsel can help to clear the air, bringing clarity to our thoughts and illuminating the path ahead.

In moments of joy, a friend's heartfelt counsel becomes even sweeter. They celebrate our victories alongside us, enhancing our sense of accomplishment and reminding us that we are never alone in our triumphs. Their words become a soulful melody, harmonizing with the music of our happiness.

We, Chaplains, have a saying among our team, "What people need is a good listening to." And it's true. There is no one better to talk to or listen to, than a friend. To be a friend is to have a friend.

Even Jesus called His disciples friends. The Lord of all Creation called them and us friends. How much more should we show His love by being friends one with another, empathizing by listening, holding space, withholding judgment, emotionally connecting, and communicating to each other, "you are not alone."

So let us embrace the sweet fragrance of friendship and the invaluable counsel it brings. May we treasure the presence of those who offer their heartfelt advice, for their words have the power to uplift, encourage, and bring beauty to our lives. Like perfume and incense, their counsel is a gift to be savored, leaving a lasting impression that lingers in our memories, long after their words have been spoken.