Scripture: “A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” – (17:17)
Observation: In today’s verse Solomon shares his wisdom regarding friendship. He explains that a true friend is steadfast, remaining true, regardless of circumstances.
Application: I once heard that a person could have many best friends,or besties in today’s lingo, but only a few are true and loyal friends. These are the ones who remain by your side in the good times as well as the bad. The ones you know will always be there for you no matter what.
The “friend who loveth” will be with you during the most challenging times of your life. They will not abandon you when the “going gets tough”. In fact, when you are struggling and facing the toughest times in your life, a true friend acts more like family with their support and assistance, really and willing to do anything and everything that will help you through the crisis.
The truly loyal friend is also one who loves you enough to point out when you are heading down a wrong path. It takes great love to confront someone about with a possible issue regardless of how gently it happens. This can cause hard feelings, but a true friend will seek to help you see your misguided ways and strive to help you return to a better place, physically, mentally, and/or spiritually. Galatians 6:1 gives us specific instruction on how we should act when confronting another believer. “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.”
To become the friend who loveth at all times is humanly impossible. It takes the salvation that Christ offers to change us from being focused inward to be focused upward. A relationship with Jesus is makes all the difference in how we interact with others. Once He becomes our Saviour, we are empowered by His Spirit to show others the same love He showed us on the cross. To be the friend that loveth at all times, strive to reflect Jesus in your life with your words and your actions. Pray before you act and cultivate a gentle, humble spirit. Your friends will love you for it!
Prayer: Dearest Lord Jesus, thank You for loving me with an everlasting love. Great is Your faithfulness to me! Help me, O God, to be a reflection of You in all my relationships. Help me be quick to see the needs of others and act as You would with a gentle and humble spirit. In Your precious name, amen.
If not in you, I wonder where will they ever see the One who really cares?
If not from you, how will they find there's One who heals the broken heart
And gives sight to the blind?
'Cause you're the only Jesus some will ever see
And you're the only Words of Life some will ever read
So let them see in you the One in whom is all they'll ever need
'Cause you're the only Jesus some will ever see.
(from “You’re the Only Jesus” by Gordon Jensen)
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“Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel.” – Proverbs 27:9