We All Need Mentors
No matter who you are or how old you are it’s not too late to be a mentor. People need the wisdom, encouragement, and guidance of those who are a little further along in life.
We all make various acquaintances throughout our lives—people who come into our circle for a season and then move on. With some, we’re content to let them go. But with others, we’re not. Once an acquaintance turns into true friendship, we hold on more tightly to that friend. A friend is a favoured companion for whom we feel affection or esteem. Why is a friend favoured? Most likely, it has much to do with how we feel when we’re with him or her. A friend accepts us as we are and is patient with our faults. A friend points out our strengths and rejoices at our successes. A friend’s presence and listening ear fill a void in us and give our lives a sense of validation and greater depth.
Do you have such a friend? Do you know how to be that friend? These resources can help you recognize the need for friendship and develop the attributes that will make you a treasured friend to others.
A friend is always loyal,
and a brother is born to help in time of need.
(Proverbs 17:17 NLT)
No matter who you are or how old you are it’s not too late to be a mentor. People need the wisdom, encouragement, and guidance of those who are a little further along in life.
True friends are priceless. They believe in us, affirm us, and hold our hands up when we’re weary and unable to go on. If we have one true friend, we are rich.
Jesus said “love one another,” and the word He used was “agape.” Agape is the highest form of love. It’s deliberate refusal to respond negatively. It’s a conquest of the will.
Acceptance means you don’t make people jump through hoops—you take them as they are.
We don’t know the pain and sorrow others are going through. That’s why we need to be grace givers. We’re all in the same boat so let’s go easy on each other.
Being trustworthy means showing up, ready and available, season after season. Showing up is a crucial part of faithfulness—and sometimes the hardest part.
More often than not we don’t know what causes people to act how they do. That’s why it’s always appropriate to extend grace. Always.
Love is patient and kind, it’s not jealous, it doesn’t brag, love isn’t proud. Love never gives up on people—it never quits.
In a crisis a true friend cares enough to visit without an invitation, is sympathetic and comforting, expresses deep feelings, isn’t turned off by unpleasant sights, and says very little.
Caring for others should always be the basis of any confrontation. When you have another’s best interests at heart you’re motivated by love instead of anger.