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Have you ever noticed and wondered at the friends you've made over your lifetime? Some friends are for a season, some for a particular purpose, and some friends last your whole life. Some friends we keep in touch with every day, and others we hear from once every few months, or even longer.
The Bible has a few things to say about friends that I found interesting. These are reminders to me to be the kind of friend that I would want to have.
17:17 A friend is loving at all times, and becomes a brother in times of trouble. 17:17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
The sign of a true friend is one who will stick close in times of trouble. One who will encourage and support you through the rough times in life. When we read scripture like this, I think it's natural to think about our friends and how they encourage us... or not... but what about how we treat our friends? Are we reliable? Do we show up when we say we'll show up, and do what we say we'll do? Are we full of integrity, honesty, and honor?
18:24 There are friends who may be a man's destruction, but there is a lover who keeps nearer than a brother. 18:24 There are friends who pretend to be friends, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Friends come and friends go, but a true friend sticks by you like family. The Message Version
Closer than a brother... sounds ideal, doesn't it? Do we stick closer than a brother to our friends? I have some wonderful friends, and I know I can call them at any hour of the day or night and they will be there for me. They know I would do the same for them - closer than a brother...
2:23 and the scripture was fulfilled which says, "Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness"; and he was called the friend of God. 2:23 And the holy Writings were put into effect which said, And Abraham had faith in God and it was put to his account as righteousness; and he was named the friend of God.
Abraham had faith in God, and he was named the friend of God. The ultimate friendship developed through faith. What an honor to be called the friend of God.
What kind of friend are you? What kind of friend am I? When everyone else seems to have forsaken you, left you, forgot about you... the Ultimate Friend will not leave you, forget you, shun you... He will carry your load and ease your burden.
This is a great reminder to me that no matter how many friends I do or don't have, I have a Friend who will stand shoulder to shoulder with me - a Friend who will stick closer than a brother.
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