We human beings have been given the gift of communication, and it distinguishes us from the rest of the animal world. We possess will, reason, and intellect. These higher powers of the soul are capable of directing our actions. We are able to think and choose.
Through speech, I can express aloud everything that is in my heart—what I know and what I understand.
After the Flood, God divided humanity by languages. All people were the children of one father, Noah. But when they united to build the tower of Babel, they demonstrated their distrust of God. He had to intervene, causing each person to cease understanding the others. Humanity was completely divided into nations according to language.
As long as you live within a culture where everyone speaks the same language, you have no difficulty communicating. But when a foreigner appears who does not understand you, and you see that you have no point of connection with him, it becomes very difficult to understand what he wants. In this situation, an interpreter is needed. Is friendship with such a person possible? In theory, yes. He understands every language of love except your native tongue and will gladly receive any help from you. But because you cannot communicate, you will have no emotional contact or bond. I am always amazed by people who create families upon such a foundation. Eventually, however, one spouse learns the other’s language, and they are able to communicate.
Fellow believers from Romania began coming to our church. I observed how united they were with one another and decided to become a friend to one of them. I greatly desired to experience a relationship with people who spoke another language. As a result of my efforts, they began smiling warmly at me as a kind acquaintance, but that was as far as it went. I understood that they were not interested in me as a friend because I could not express my thoughts and feelings in their language, and they did not know mine. Even those who had learned a little German could not freely express their thoughts or have friendly conversation in that language. I am not stating categorically that friendship with people whom you cannot understand is impossible. Yet there are definite difficulties that separate us. At the same time, I noticed that spiritually—in our understanding of church teachings, the Bible, and reform—we were in complete unity. My Jesus is also their Savior and communicates perfectly with them in their native language.
There is another kind of difference that hinders full friendship: my spiritual identity. Throughout my life, I have worked with people who do not share my religious convictions. We know one another well, respect each other, rejoice when we meet, find common ground, joke, communicate, and carry out many kinds of work together. What we build looks beautiful and complete. But when we part, we do not feel drawn toward one another. Work united us into one team but did not make us friends. I would not call these people strangers. My heart is attached to them because I know them very well and know details of their lives that perhaps no one else will ever learn. I can visit many of them and enjoy friendly conversation. But Jesus is not between us, and this establishes boundaries beyond which we cannot go. Our communication is limited to this world and its concerns.
Jesus knows how to unite unfamiliar souls so closely that sometimes you have known a person for only a short time, yet he becomes so dear to you—and forever. How can this be explained? Miracles!
To win a person for God, it is desirable first to become his friend. But friendship is an emotional bond for life. You do not know whether this soul will turn to God, yet your heart has already become attached to him. If this person influences you and leads you toward lawlessness, such a friendship can become very dangerous, undesirable, and at times even forbidden. What should you do then? Your heart is already with this person. But love helps resolve this dilemma as well. You simply love him and remain ready to serve and help him at any time, while maintaining contact within the boundaries he has established and the Word of God recommends. God preserves His obedient children from evil.
What should those do who have two different spirits living within one family? Should they be friends? The family is a separate world with many exceptions to general rules. Very often, one spouse comes to God and begins to believe. At other times, someone in a believing family becomes an unbeliever, and this exerts a special influence upon the relationship. I have both situations in one experience. My wife and I came to God from the world, and we had a daughter who was familiar with the truth from childhood. But after fifteen years, these two people closest to me returned to the world. At that time, I began asking for God’s love so that I could somehow endure this trial. Now I understand that their fall contributed to my growth. Two different spirits live under one roof, but love teaches me many good things. How much advice I heard and how much I experienced during those days! My Jesus became so close to me throughout this period, and I am so grateful to the Lord for every difficulty He permitted. If such trials had not been present in my life, perhaps I would not have needed greater love. Without possessing it, I could not have shared it. Then this school would not exist, and... and... and... How grateful I am to God for everything He permits and for the way all these things work together for good.
God taught me not to avoid difficulties and problems but to face and resolve them with His help. I cannot be another person’s conscience, but I can be his friend or love him, and no one can forbid me to do so.
Is it possible to be a friend of Satan? A person can make such a decision, but this relationship is fraught with sorrowful consequences. It is better not even to try. Yet it is wise to show respect toward this authority so as not to create additional and unnecessary problems.
Should I be friends with those who serve Satan or this world? The answer depends on how I understand friendship, what I place within this concept, and how close these people are to me. I may decide to be a friend while still maintaining distance and exercising caution. I do not know how my affection may influence these souls. Perhaps someone will be saved and turn to Jesus. Perhaps after my death, the Lord will draw that person to Himself. We should not burn bridges in our relationships or sever connections. Love knows how to keep these people at a distance while holding them very close to the heart. Friendship may not be possible, but love for these souls must remain, and it must be genuine.
An acquaintance of mine has a friend, and once every six months, he goes to a restaurant with him and gets completely drunk. I asked him why he does this. He replied that in this way, he preserves their relationship and makes it strong and unbreakable. To me, this sounds very strange. Not every worldly idea about friendship corresponds to the truth. True friendship has a solid foundation: the presence of Christ in at least one friend, though preferably in both, and the essential presence of God’s agape love. Of course, true friendship does not contradict biblical principles.
I find it interesting to observe how the world tries to unite people in friendship through common interests, hobbies, and ideas. But then a trial comes, and everything collapses. The world creates new clubs and associations. There is a goal and there is unity, but there is no love or heartfelt affection.
Love, however, possesses everything necessary and joins souls very simply and quickly.
Bible Verses for Reflection
Proverbs 29:27; 22:24–25; 2 Corinthians 6:14–16; Proverbs 13:20; 1 Corinthians 15:33; 13:1–3.