Beholdingनमूना

## Friends at their best If you could give a description of what humanity on its best day might be like, I reckon it might include something to do with being kind towards one another. I recently went to an abstract artist’s exhibit. It was fascinating to see the difference in colour and composition of the paintings over the artist’s life. The seasons of conflict created dark images, while times of peace and friendship allowed the artist some creative curiosity and showed a new mix of light, bright colours and movement. I took the time to behold the art. Looking with intent helped me experience how good and pleasant peace and unity in friendship was for the creator of the art. It helped me feel thankful for the vibrancy of friendships in my own life too. Through the insight of David, God invites us to notice how wonderful unity is, especially in our Christian friendships. It doesn’t mean we’ll never have conflict. All relationships need genuine investments of time and energy, and we’ll all have times when a conflict will require us to listen respectfully to another person’s option or perspective. It may mean we need to apologise for something then ask for forgiveness. The aim of lovingly working through conflicts to a place of peaceful unity is always about reconciling the friendship. And when that happens, it’s wonderful, not only for the ones who’ve worked through the conflict, but it’s also an inspiration for others and a witness to the gift of faith as our foundation in all friendships. Beholding the goodness of unity and kindness inspires us all to be a better version of humanity. Let’s decide to notice acts of kindness with thankfulness, and give an act of kindness to someone we meet today. Written by KATH HENRY