Friends come and friends go, but a true friend sticks by you like family.
Proverbs 18: 24 The Message
Friendship is important to most of us. Relationships with friends can often make life more meaningful. Yet this verse makes the statement that not all friends are the same. Some friends are more like familiar acquaintances who come and go throughout our lives. Perhaps the bond was not as deep, or the circumstances changed.
On the other hand, there are some friends who are “best friends”. We might even call them “forever friends”, with the caveat that “forever” refers to the length of the friendship. The writer of proverbs wants us to realize that true friends will be there through thick and thin, good and bad. Consequently, they become almost like family, especially when one’s own family is separated by geography, or other circumstances.
At their very best, true friends help us not only celebrate wonderful and joyful experiences, but they aid us in making it through the tough times in life. They show us what “faithfulness” is all about. Their loyalty aids us in comprehending “perseverance.” Their sane, learned, and reasonable counsel offers us “wisdom”. Their willingness to accept us, in spite of our flaws and imperfections, gives us a sense of what “forgiveness” means, at the deepest level.
In other words, friends at their best help us to understand God. God is faithful. He perseveres. The Lord is Divine Wisdom, and He offers us unconditional forgiveness. When our friends are at their very best, they reflect these godly qualities.
Find time in your life to reach out to your friends. Whether it is a phone call, a coffee/tea date, or even a FaceTime opportunity, connecting with friends is one of life’s great pleasures. Friendships are one of God’s greatest gifts to us. Celebrate your friends! Offer thanks to God for them, and cherish them.
Our Lord and Savior Jesus knew the importance of friendship. He knew the bonds of love which bind good friends. When He was teaching, He called the disciples “my friends.” Jesus promised them that His sacrifice upon the cross was motivated by His deep love and friendship for all.
Jesus said,
“Put your life on the line for your friends. You are my friends when you do the things I command you. I’m no longer calling you servants because servants dosn’t understand what their master is thinking and planning. No, I’ve named you friends because I’ve let you in on everything I’ve heard from the Father.”
John 14: 12-15 The Message
Prayer
Jesus,
I thank You for being my eternal friend. You desire to walk with me through every moment of my life. Help me to remember this desire for friendship daily. May I spend as much time with You, as I do with my other friends. May I be a wise, kind and understanding friend to those who you have placed in my life. I pray this prayer in the name of Your son, the friend to sinners, Jesus Christ. Amen.
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