A TEST on Friendship!!!

[paulnoel]

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In ancient Greece, Socrates was reputed to hold knowledge in high esteem.

One day an acquaintance met the great philosopher and said, "Do you know what I just heard about you friend?"

"Hold on a minute," Socrates replied. "Before telling me anything, I'd like you to pass a little test called triple filter.

Before you talk to me about my friend, it might be a good idea to take a moment and filter what you're going to say.

The first filter is TRUTH. Have you made absolutely sure that what you are about to tell me is true?"

"Actually no I just heard about it and..."

All right," said Socrates. "So you don't really know if it is true or not.
Now let's try the second filter, the filter of GOODNESS. Is what your about to tell me about my friend something good?"

No, on the contrary..."

Socrates continued, "so you want to tell me something bad about him, but your not certain if it's true or not.

You may still pass the test though, because there's one filter left; the filter of USEFULNESS. Is what you want to tell me about my friend going to be useful to me?"

No, not really,"

Well concluded Socrates, "If what you want to tell me is neither true or good or even useful,
why tell it to me at all?"

Next time you hear loose talk about one of your friends,
try using this test.​

 

[Daniel411]

Amen Paulnoel

That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
1 Cor 2:5 (KJV)

 

[servant of Merciful Love]

Thanks for sharing, and welcome to GE 50+

 

[sk8Joyful]

Hi Paul
How are you?
Have you posted in GE, since 30th September 2006?

I quoted one of your wonderful poems entitled: "someone
older, than you" & you said "God bless you Annie"

I remember. And I frequent places, where
people say true, good & useful things about me doing true, good & helpful things. Being amongst friends is happy & healthy

 

[paulnoel]

Hi Paul
How are you?
Have you posted in GE, since 30th September 2006?

I quoted one of your wonderful poems entitled: "someone
older, than you" & you said "God bless you Annie"

I remember. And I frequent places, where
people say true, good & useful things about me doing true, good & helpful things. Being amongst friends is happy & healthy

Annie, It;s nice to hear from you , and what a memory you must have I have to say I don't remember the poem
(But I reckon that's just my age LOL),

Perhaps you could post it here sometime?

I don't think I have posted here since 2006 but really cannot remember! Only been on the CF very occasionally over the last few years as I have been very busy with church life, Bible studies, Charity events, Teaching etc and also very busy with home and work life. Will try and log on more regularly as it is really good to share.

Take care & God bless you


Paul

 

[paulnoel]

Thanks for sharing, and welcome to GE 50+

Thank you

 

[paulnoel]

Amen Paulnoel

That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
1 Cor 2:5 (KJV)

 

[sk8Joyful]

Annie, Its nice to hear from you, and what a memory you must have
I have to say I don't remember the poem
Perhaps you could post it here sometime?

I don't think I have posted here since 2006 but really cannot remember!
Take care & God bless you

Paul

Hi Paul,
Your poem I quoted here: #2 :
Thank! *you Paul*, for returning to grace this nest, with your poetry.

I especially liked this one you posted in April, in "Deeper Fellowship":

Can you pass the test

When Jesus looks upon my life,
What picture does He see?
Does He see His own reflection,
Or does He just see me?

Does He see His likeness,
The product of His hand.
Or just another Christian,
Who never took a stand.

Does He see a child of God,
A child that He set free.
Living life to honor Him,
Or does He just see me.

What about the other folks,
I meet along the way.
Do I show them Jesus,
To brighten up their day.

When someone looks into my eyes,
Can they truly see.
That calm and gentle peace of God,
That dwells inside of me.

When I reach out and shake a hand,
Is He right there in my grip.
Can they feel that strength from God,
That steadies when I slip.

When folks are in my presence,
Do they know His Spirit's there?
Can they see that He's the one,
Who guides me everywhere.

When other people think of me,
What is on their mind?
Do they think of Jesus Christ,
So gentle and so kind.

I try to be like Jesus,
Every single day.
Spreading love and kindness,
All along my way.

I'm afraid that I have failed,
I could not pass the test.
Deep inside my heart I know,
I haven't done my best.

That's why His Spirit dwells in me,
He's helping me to learn.
In every situation,
Where I need to turn.

He knew I'd never pass the test,
That's why He took my place.
He gave His life to save my soul,
He suffered my disgrace.

Now I try to be like Him,
I must present Him well.
So other folks will want His gift,
And turn their backs on hell.

Other folks should see the *joy*,
That Christ has given me.
They should want to have it too,
Especially since it's free.

They should begin to ask me,
What is it they must do.
Just how it is they go about,
Getting Jesus too.

Then I get to tell them,
This wondrous gift is free.
It only takes a humble heart,
A prayer on bended knee.

Someday when I'm face to face,
With the Lord who set me free.
Will He see His own reflection,
Or will He just see me?

I have (to the best of my ability) lived, and will continue living..., for JESUS.

I think, if people would 'pretend' at days' beginning/end, it's really the end of their mortality, How would they account for their life - and
will JESUS greet me, you, each of us with: "Well Done, my Little one"

This peace*Full assurance is what I live for. And what about you?

Annie ​

with your comment in the next post, Paul.

 

[davedajobauk]

Pray Hard. Live Easy.: Muse

 

[thepurplehymn]

Thank you so much for this post! This truly lifted up my spirits a bit, since someone was trying to deter me from a very close friendship just a few days ago. This said person, whose name I shan't divulge, was trying to push the idea upon me that one of my best friends was only spending time with me to use me for academic reasons. Now, I liken my best friend as a sister to me, she means so much to me and brightens my life. So when I heard this, I immediately discarded it, saying to the gossiper that my "sister" was highly intelligent already, and thus there was no point in worrying if I was being used. I still worried, though, for it bothered me that someone would even try that. I asked myself, What if it were to happen again, with a more serious issue being addressed? But reading this "test" of Socrates, it now gives me an insight on what to do if someone tries to bring me or my best friend down. Nothing is going to get in the way of something as important as our sisterhood! GOD BLESS YOU FOR THIS!!!!!

 

[nChrist]

Hello Paul and WELCOME back. Thanks for the great advice.

 

[paulnoel]

Hi Paul,
Your poem I quoted here: #2 :
Thank! *you Paul*, for returning to grace this nest, with your poetry.

It;s nice to be back, and the LOVE people show here is amazing,
Reminds me as what Jesus said in John 13:34-35


“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.

By this everyone will know that you are my disciples,

If you love one another.”



God bless you


Paul

 

[paulnoel]

Thank you so much for this post! This truly lifted up my spirits a bit, since someone was trying to deter me from a very close friendship just a few days ago.


Nothing is going to get in the way of something as important as our sisterhood! GOD BLESS YOU FOR THIS!!!!!

So Glad this helped...God is good!!!

God bless you

Paul

 

[paulnoel]

Hello Paul and WELCOME back. Thanks for the great advice.

Thank you for the welcome, it is nice to be back, and as I said to Annie the Love people show here towards each other is amazing!!!

God bless you

Paul