What kind of a friend would you say you are to others? What kind of a friend would THEY say you are to them? What about the Lord - are you His friend? Would He say that you are? We are going to look at scripture that deals with the topic of friendship today, so get ready to open the Word of God and take inventory of your heart - and your friendships…
Proverbs 17:17 (KJV)
A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
A true friend is unchangeable.
A true friend proves himself by helping whenever he is needed. Adversity affords us all the opportunity to prove our love to others. Jesus Christ has loved us at all times, has He not? Even while we were yet entrenched in sin He proved His love for us on the cross! For our Master’s sake we should follow His example and be sacrificial friends to other people. Having loved His own, which were in the world, Jesus loved them unto the end - how far does your love for others go? Do you turn your back on your friends over the least little offense? That's not much of a representation of the friendship we enjoy with our Savior! In John 15:14, the Bible says we are Christ's friends if we do whatever He commands us. Is this the case with you and I today, dear lady? What kind of friends are we to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ?? Our obedience and loyalty to His commands proves the depth of our alliance with God.
Proverbs 18:24 (KJV)
A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend
that sticketh closer than a brother.
A desire for many friends is hazardous.
The gaining of friends is based upon our ability to demonstrate friendliness toward others. To have friends we MUST be willing to show something of ourselves to others first. That something is our openness and the character trait of loyalty. People want to know if they can trust you before they will consider you their friend… Those who do show themselves friendly will certainly find others eager to receive their kindness, for a true friend is rare indeed! Some people mistakenly think the assurance of friendship comes in having many companions. However, even in the abundance of friends there will come disappointments as friends may fail or even desert you in your time of need. A few solid friends offer more strength than several superficial friends that offer no support. But even in that fact, full confidence still cannot be put in man. Only with God is there the guarantee of never being forsaken! We must not place expectations upon man that only the Lord can deliver... The Bible says there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother, and that one, true friend is Jesus Christ! Therefore, let us place total confidence in Him alone for He deserves it. Our Savior’s devotion surpasses even the loyalty of a brother by birth. We can be assured that Jesus Christ is a Friend that will never leave nor forsake us and can be trusted in completely! Do not look to man to take His place as your very best friend.
Proverbs 27:10 (KJV)
Thine own friend, and thy father's friend, forsake not; neither go into
thy brother's house in the day of thy calamity: for better is a neighbour
that is near than a brother far off.
Old friends are to be cherished.
A well and long tried friend is invaluable! Because there is greater value in old friendships, that value is not to be overlooked or taken for granted. An old friend of yours and even an old friend of the family is an heirloom of longstanding loyalty. This person has often been of more benefit to you and your family in times of calamity than a member of your own family whose affections may have weakened or waned over time and distance. Do not forget the strength and support this tried and true friend has brought to your life in your hour of need through the neglecting of your relationship with them! Ladies, is there someone you need to get in touch with today to resurrect your alliance, a particular individual you have neglected over the passing days and months? Perhaps there is a dear friend of your parents who would love to hear from you once again. Maybe there is a previous church member, a former teacher, an old neighbor, or anyone else who aided one of your brothers or sisters and kept them on the straight and narrow that comes to mind… Whatever the case may be, do not forget the loyalties of days gone by - honor them with your continued friendship!
Proverbs 27:17 (KJV)
Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.
Friends are stimulating.
We are cautioned to take heed who we converse with, for the interaction of human personalities can produce good or bad results in our lives! Pick a friend who is iron - who is strong in wisdom, strong in grace and their obedience to the Lord, and you will be sharpened for good! One piece of metal rubbing against another produces friction and the heat of those two metals together brightens and sharpens the countenance of both you and your friend! How sharp will iron grow to be rubbing up against wood or hay or stubble?? Not very - in fact, it will soon become dull. Ladies, are any of your friends causing you to become dull in your convictions? Better pick them wisely! A sober friend will bring a better edge to your character. Many people pick friends that will just rub their back and sympathize with them, but it's better to choose a friend that will stimulate your heart and mind with the sharp reality of the truth! Do you just want to be stroked today or sharpened?? Your choice of friends will prove your answer…
Ecc. 4:9-10 (KJV)
Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.
For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that
is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to lift him up.
True friendship is profitable.
The Bible teaches that being alone can be unproductive and even dangerous… There are advantages to joint assistance. A man or woman alone who is about to be overcome by the onslaught of the enemy may be kept from ruin through the faithfulness of a committed friend. Who should that friend first be committed to but Jesus Christ, for then and only then will he be able to properly lift up his fellow friend and help him stand! The union of Christians increases our security and brings victory; hence, we should not shun opportunity for healthy fellowship. Make sure Christ is at the center of all your friendships for scripture tells us that a threefold cord is not quickly broken!
THANK GOD FOR YOU
Thank god for you, good friend of mine,
Seldom is friendship such as thine;
How very much I wish to be
As helpful as you've been to me.
When I recall from time to time
How you inspired this heart of mine,
I find myself inclined to pray,
"God bless my friend this very day."
Of many prayer quests, one thou art.
On whom I ask God to impart
Rich blessings from His storehouse rare,
And grant to you His gracious care.
So often at the throne of grace
There comes a picture of your face,
And then instinctively I pray
That God may guide you all the way.
Some day I hope with you to stand
Before the throne at God's right hand,
And say to you at journey's end,
Praise God, you've been to me a friend!"
I would like to dedicate this devotion to a precious friend of mine named Patty who has greatly sharpened me spiritually and blessed me by her example of more than 20 years of loyal friendship founded upon truth! Thank God for my dear friend, for she has made a tremendous difference in my life… Yes, true friendship is Divine.
God Bless,
Pam
Isaiah 60:1&2
Copyright 2000 Pamela A. Iannello
Revised 2004
