A Good Friend

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” [Pro 17:17 NIV]

“One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” [Pro 18:24 NIV]

“Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.” [Pro 27:6 NIV]

What does it mean to be a friend? When I think about this topic, it forces me to admit that I still have much to learn about being a friend.

The Bible teaches us things things about friendship such as loyalty, self-sacrifice, and truth-telling...even when it’s difficult.

I’ve been challenged recently by author Justin Whitmel Earley, who wrote the book Made For People. He writes, “While friendships begin with common interests, the kind of covenant friendships that are the subject of this book will eventually turn from love of the common interest to love of the other. No matter how much time you spend with someone, or how many common activities you share, if vulnerability and honesty are not practiced regularly such that you turn from loving your shared hobbies to loving each other, then you are not in a friendship, but a companionship.”

If you’re looking for a friend, start by finding someone with common interests, but don’t stop there. Spend time with that person, ask questions of that person (not just facts about them, but find out the way they think), and ultimately, work towards vulnerability, honesty, and loving each other through all the different seasons of life. Look to Jesus as the ultimate model of friendship.

Prayer: “Jesus, thank you for being my friend. Help me to be a friend to others as you have been to me. Be with me when I am lonely, and give me compassion for others who are lonely. Give me opportunities to be vulnerable and honest, to love others despite differences, and to introduce others to You, the best friend anyone could ask for. Amen.”

Blessings,

Franklin