Do you have friends who point you to truth? Friends who offer the comfort of God's grace when you are hurting? Do you have friends in whom you feel safe confiding your heart, knowing they will go to God alone with your struggles? I am eternally grateful for friends like that. They are gifts to me from the Father.
Women are normally wired to be social creatures. When there's exciting news to share, heartbreak, disappointment, or the need of a shoulder to cry on, we usually turn to a friend.
Within the Titus 2 passage there is a valuable word of exhortation that should be a vital aspect of our friendships: "Encourage the young women to … be sensible" (v. 5).
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.
When faced with challenging circumstances, the tendency for most women is to react—not in wisdom—but with our emotions! This is where being a Titus 2 friend can be helpful. I have a few friends that I turn to when I know I'm not operating with a sóphrón mindset, and my request is, "Speak truth to me."
Do you have friends like that? Are you this kind of friend to others?
A "Titus 2 Friend" …
- Listens well (Proverbs 15:28; 18:13)
- Doesn't get caught up in the emotions of the situation, but is sensible in her reaction (Proverbs 31:25–26)
- Offers godly comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3–7)
- Speaks words of hope, grace, and truth (Ephesians 4:29; Colossians 4:6; Proverbs 24:14; 27:6)
- Demonstrates faith (Hebrews 11:1; Psalm 56:3–4)
- Humbly leads by suggesting ways to practically apply the truth of God's Word (Proverbs 22:17; 25:11–12)
- Is discreet and confidential (Proverbs 25:9)
- Directs her to the One who has all wisdom as her ultimate Counselor (Psalm 9:9–10; 91)
- Prays with her and commits to prayer intercession for her (Colossians 1:9–12)
- 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.
