Conscious, Capable, Consistent, Concerned

First before I start my lnr I want to thank Jon Wood for the message given at In Dependence (Miles Militis Ignite), so that it has spurred me onto thinking about things I otherwise might not have not thought of.

These four C's are not just the mark of our Savior. These four C's are also the mark of the man-made in the image of the Creator. These are also characteristics of family, but more so in the point of our lives now, friends. The very friends that shape and define our lives, and the same friends that teach us lessons and (in a Christian's case) push us to Love God more. Since, that is what we are called to do right? "²⁴And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. ²⁵Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." (Hebrews 10:24-25) 

If we cannot do such a simple commandment, if we cannot encourage each other, if we cannot push each other towards Love and good deeds, then are we really doing what is right in the Lord's eyes?

Well anyway, my commentary about the four C's: 

Conscious- being conscious is all to easy, only a blind fool would be dumb (excuse the language) to not see someone being hurt. Assuming that the person reveals through actions that he/she is hurt (not putting up a front). 

Capable- capability lies in willingness to help, in peers it's easy to find someone willing to help. True that only Jesus can take away your sins and your fears, but in friendship, people that are willing to pray for you and talk to you are capable of holding your hand through a circumstance. Of course not replacing the fact that Jesus is the ultimate solution.

Consistent- consistency lies in the heart of true friendship. ANYBODY can say hi to you a couple times, and voila, you're friends on facebook. But a real friend is someone that constantly (consistently) checks up on you and is always there for you. A real friend becomes a priority rather than just another person on your "buddy" list.

last, but definitely not least...

Concerned- A real friend is everything above, and especially concerned. To be concerned can make or break a friendship. A "buddy" can ask how are you doing? and leave it at that somewhat awkward silence. But a true friend will ask what is going on, what can they do for you, and be with you whenever they can. A true friend will be conscious, is capable, is consistent, and always concerned.

This is why Jesus is the ultimate friend and the ultimate father. But as images of God, it is our duty to approach our fellow brothers and sisters with the same attitude. I am obviously guilty of not being able to do all of these all the time. And that is partially why I am writing this. If we can somehow grasp the true weight of friendship in our lives, I believe it is only then that we can realize how much greater of a friend God is to us. We can then grasp how much He is conscious, capable, consistent, and most of all concerned for us and our well-being.

"A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother"  -Proverbs 18:24 (NIV)

This is just a variation of the message that I got from God, this is not the exact message that was given, rather what I feel God was speaking to me.