Finding Peace in God’s Acceptance
I’ve never really had a deep, lifelong friendship. I have people I call friends, some who even feel like brothers, but not the kind of friend I grew up with, someone who’s been there through every high and low, someone I still feel inseparable from. I don’t have that friend who’d just drop by, raid my fridge for a Krakus ham and Munster cheese sandwich, or suggest making fried chicken with arroz con gandules. Who am I kidding?
“A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
I’ve lost many so-called “friends” over the years, and in most cases, I still don’t understand why. Why did we lose touch? Why did we stop communicating? Why won’t you even respond to my comments on your Facebook posts while interacting with everyone else? With friends like these, who needs enemies?
“If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it; if a foe were rising against me, I could hide. But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend, with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship at the house of God, as we walked about among the worshipers.”
Did I offend you? Did my Christian posts, my godly conversations, and my constant encouragement, reminding you that You Are Loved, Blessed, and called to be a blessing, bother you?
“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.”
I’ve come to realize that sometimes, people pull away not because of anything we’ve done but because of what we represent. The phrase, “Some people will never like you because your spirit irritates their demons,” speaks to this reality. The light of Christ in us can make others uncomfortable, not because we are trying to condemn them, but because it convicts them in ways they may not understand or want to face.
“For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one, we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task?”
Sometimes, our faith, our joy, or even our determination to walk in God’s truth can highlight insecurities in others. When someone is struggling with self-doubt or sin, encountering someone who stands firm in their identity in Christ can feel threatening. Our presence can serve as a mirror, reflecting what they either desire or despise within themselves.
“For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life.”
There are also times when people simply resist the light because they are comfortable in darkness. Scripture reminds us in John 3:19, “Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.” If we carry the presence of God, it’s only natural that some will push us away, not because of who we are, but because of the One we belong to.
“You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.”
I won’t pretend it doesn’t hurt. Losing friendships, especially when you don’t understand why, can leave a wound. But Jesus Himself experienced this betrayal, rejection, abandonment. And yet, He remained faithful. That’s my calling too. Instead of dwelling on who walked away, I’ll focus on the One who will never leave me nor forsake me.
“God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’”
At the end of the day, true friendship is found in Christ. And if He places godly friends in my life who truly walk this journey with me, I’ll be grateful. But if not, I know that I am never alone.
“Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
As we walk this journey of faith, we may face loneliness and loss of family and friendships, but we can take comfort in the constant presence of Christ. He is our truest and most faithful friend, and we are never abandoned by Him. Don’t let loneliness consume you—lean into His love, for in Him, we find the greatest companionship and comfort.
You Are Loved.
Willie Torres Jr.
02/09/2025
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Willie Torres Jr. 
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