April 30th, 2025
In some ways, friendship is simple. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Apparently, it’s quite easy to be a fair-weather friend. In Proverbs 19, “wealth brings many new friends” (v. 4), and “everyone is a friend to him who gives gifts” (v. 5), but “a poor man is deserted by his friends” (v. 4), and “a poor man’s brothers hate him” (v. 7).
It’s difficult to be a loyal friend.
At the Last Supper, Jesus made a remarkable statement to His disciples. “No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you” (John 15:15). Jesus called them friends. Wow!
Sadly, a few hours later, Jesus’ eleven friends fell asleep while He was in a severe trial in the Garden (Luke 22:39-46), then all forsook Him and fled when the authorities arrived with torches and clubs (Mark 14:50). At that point, they had a lot to learn about friendship.
Perhaps the most important characteristic of friendship is constancy. True friends are always there. We know this intuitively! I’ve often heard tweens and early teens express gratitude for their friends who were with them “through the good times and the bad” (how “bad” it gets in junior high, I’m not quite sure, I was homeschooled). The point is that even young people know what makes a good friend.
The familiar old R&B song surely strikes a chord, that even when “the night has come and the land is dark…I won’t be afraid…just as long as you stand by me.”
Just be there.
Presence makes up for our perceived deficiencies. In friendship, our insecurities often rear their ugly heads: “I’m not that interesting,” “I’m not fun,” “I’m not as beautiful,” and so on. Those things matter little in long-lasting, worthwhile friendships. “A friend in need is a friend indeed.” If you’re loyal in the hard times, friendships will be forged that pay dividends for years to come.
Proverbs 17:17 reads, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” The NLT renders the first half of the verse, “A friend is always loyal…” We know what this means, but what does it look like? For me, I’ve come up with a basic rule of thumb. If my friend is going through something, and I’m not sure if I should go be with him, I go. If he doesn’t want me around, he’ll tell me (or I’ll figure it out). More often, though, people suffer alone, unsure who to contact or if they should “bother” one of their friends. What we need is better friends. Friends characterized by constancy.
Even more, we’re called to generational loyalty. “Do not forsake your friend or your father’s friend,” says Proverbs 27:10. Not only is it the right thing to do, but a family friend who’s been there for decades should not be easily discarded for new company.
Think about yourself: have you been there for others? Are you a faithful friend? Perhaps it’s an area you need to improve on as a friend.
Now think about your friends: who was there during your most recent trial? Who’s been there for you over the long haul? Pause and thank God for those friends who have proven to be loyal companions.
It’s difficult to be a loyal friend.
At the Last Supper, Jesus made a remarkable statement to His disciples. “No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you” (John 15:15). Jesus called them friends. Wow!
Sadly, a few hours later, Jesus’ eleven friends fell asleep while He was in a severe trial in the Garden (Luke 22:39-46), then all forsook Him and fled when the authorities arrived with torches and clubs (Mark 14:50). At that point, they had a lot to learn about friendship.
Perhaps the most important characteristic of friendship is constancy. True friends are always there. We know this intuitively! I’ve often heard tweens and early teens express gratitude for their friends who were with them “through the good times and the bad” (how “bad” it gets in junior high, I’m not quite sure, I was homeschooled). The point is that even young people know what makes a good friend.
The familiar old R&B song surely strikes a chord, that even when “the night has come and the land is dark…I won’t be afraid…just as long as you stand by me.”
Just be there.
Presence makes up for our perceived deficiencies. In friendship, our insecurities often rear their ugly heads: “I’m not that interesting,” “I’m not fun,” “I’m not as beautiful,” and so on. Those things matter little in long-lasting, worthwhile friendships. “A friend in need is a friend indeed.” If you’re loyal in the hard times, friendships will be forged that pay dividends for years to come.
Proverbs 17:17 reads, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” The NLT renders the first half of the verse, “A friend is always loyal…” We know what this means, but what does it look like? For me, I’ve come up with a basic rule of thumb. If my friend is going through something, and I’m not sure if I should go be with him, I go. If he doesn’t want me around, he’ll tell me (or I’ll figure it out). More often, though, people suffer alone, unsure who to contact or if they should “bother” one of their friends. What we need is better friends. Friends characterized by constancy.
Even more, we’re called to generational loyalty. “Do not forsake your friend or your father’s friend,” says Proverbs 27:10. Not only is it the right thing to do, but a family friend who’s been there for decades should not be easily discarded for new company.
Think about yourself: have you been there for others? Are you a faithful friend? Perhaps it’s an area you need to improve on as a friend.
Now think about your friends: who was there during your most recent trial? Who’s been there for you over the long haul? Pause and thank God for those friends who have proven to be loyal companions.
Recent
Archive
2025
2024
January
February
Categories
no categories
Tags
no tags
No Comments