By Guest Writer Jinnie Hong
DO YOU ACTUALLY LOVE YOUR BEST FRIEND?
This question has always been something that I've been thinking about as I've grown in my friendship with my best friend, Jasmine. Anyone who knows both of us are fully aware that we spend A LOT of time together. Our friendship has been a huge source of joy in my life, and honestly, without it, I don't know where I would be. However, as our friendship grows and I spend more time reflecting on it, I am able to see how important it is that we are stable and confident in our identity as God's daughter. Without this stability, we have the power to ruin our friendships & not love from a genuine heart. ~ For any of you that don’t know her, Jasmine is GORGEOUS, TALENTED, has an amazing personality, gives wise advice, and is super generous.
Always being around Jasmine, I have had the opportunity to see all of her strengths. Because of this, I have also found a way to bring down every strength I have by comparing myself to her. When I allow thoughts of comparison to linger in my mind, I stop loving Jasmine and I stop loving myself. It’s sad to say, but when this happens, I don't want her to get anything that I haven't received myself. Comparison and jealousy are some of the hardest chains to break. Especially when you continue to let it linger in your mind. Our minds are the place that determines who we believe ourselves to be. That is why it is so IMPORTANT to allow God to speak into you. It's a process! You have to step into it everyday and be reminded of who you are.
For me, I was able to realize that I actually didn't love Jasmine because everything revolved around me. I was so humbled by this, at first, unpleasant conviction. I thought this whole time I was the good friend. But, God has opened my eyes to see that I do have a strong desire to be a good friend, but until I come from a place of believing that I am loved by Him, I will not be able to be a good, loving friend. Although I am still a part of the process and have much to learn about my identity even still, I have come to love myself and my gifts more, which in turn helps me better love Jasmine and other people in my life. Lets be people who actually love our friends instead of just saying we do!
My name is Jinnie Hong. I am 24 years old living in Los Angeles with my puppy Gracie and my husband Jonathan. I graduated from Azusa Pacific University with a Christian ministries degree and have been pursuing my passions to see women of God rise up in their identities. I love seeing people grow in their faith and discipline people. One way I do this is through my YouTube channel and my Instagram. You will always find me talking about lifestyle or faith.
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