A True Friend
What does it take to be a true friend? Proverbs 17:17 says “A friend loveth at all times; And a brother is born for adversity.” A true friend is someone who loves you at all times, and someone who is willing to go through adversity with you.Not too many people are willing to do that, and when you find someone who will, you know that this is the kind of person that you want to have around. Those who will not do this may be superficial friends, but not friends that are true.
Who will be a true friend?
Proverbs 27:17 says: “Iron sharpeneth iron; So a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” The notion here is that friends challenge one another to improve their attitudes. A good friend is not going to let you pass when you appear to be affected by something. He is going to inquire as to your problems and show genuine care and concern for them.Perhaps one of the greatest attestations of friendship in the Bible is what Jesus said in John 15:13, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” This verse is often cited at the funerals of those who have given their lives for others. Self sacrifice and the ability to give to others meaningfully—without expecting anything in return—is the ultimate character of a friend.Faithfulness, encouragement, and self-sacrifice make up the core of what the Bible teaches is the character of a true friend. Are you being this kind of friend to others? God certainly has been this kind of friend to us, and will be, if we will let Him in. God bless you and I love you.