We've all heard of "sanctuary cities." They are in the news a lot lately. In the present context, they are cities, run mostly by Democratic mayors, where illegal immigrants can go to avoid being deported.
The concept is actually biblical.
"When you cross the Jordan into Canaan, ¹¹select some towns to be your cities of refuge, to which a person who has killed someone accidentally may flee. ¹²They will be places of refuge from the avenger, so that anyone accused of murder may not die before they stand trial before the assembly." - Numbers 35:10-12
However, in the present-day context, the sanctuary city concept actually defies the law in favor of political preference.
Let's abandon this "sanctuary city" thing and shift our focus to personal relationships. We'll call them sanctuary friends. Do you have any of those? I hope so.
Sanctuary friends are those you can talk to openly and freely, without fear of retribution or persecution. They usually have a similar mindset, and you know you are 'safe' speaking with them.
Sanctuary friends are a blessing and are easily labeled as our very best friends. And, in a world filled with anxiety and political rhetoric, it's a good idea to have several of these precious friends on hand.
There is a certain amount of unconditional love involved in sanctuary friendships. There is also trust. These are extremely valuable characteristics.
Is Jesus one of your sanctuary friends? I hope so. He should be at the top of our list. We can talk to Him about anything at any time of day. And unlike our earthly friends, Jesus is always with us.
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” - Deuteronomy 31:6
May God give you the blessing of having trusted friends who will never leave you or forsake you. But always remember that you are never alone, without the most-trusted friend ever - Jesus.
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