Dale Ridge church of Christ

            The wise man Solomon wrote “A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity” in Proverbs 17:17.  How true these words do ring.  When we are trying to be a friend to someone, we should seek to be there for him or her through the good times and the bad.  We should definitely not be “fair weather friends,” so to speak.

            Throughout the Bible, many wonderful examples exist as to how friendship should be.  The first that usually comes to mind is that of David and Jonathan.  Jonathan  is described as loving David as “his own soul” (I Sam 18:1).  In verse 4 of this same chapter, we are told that Jonathan gave David the very robe that was upon him as well as his garments, sword, bow, and girdle.  Jonathan even went as far as to warn and protect and help him escape from Jonathan’s own father King Saul (I Sam 19).  We can all learn a lesson from Jonathan’s love, generosity, and loyalty to David.

            Another example of friendship is that of Paul and Timothy.  Paul referred to Timothy as his “own son in the faith” (I Tim 1:2).  Throughout the two letters that Paul wrote to Timothy, he uses several endearing terms in which he refers to Timothy and instructs Timothy in many areas to assist him in his work as a preacher of the gospel.  Paul provides a wonderful illustration of how we can guide our friends in the way that they should go to obey God’s will.  May we always strive to show our friends the path that God would want us to take.

            Lastly, we find the best example of friendship in that of Jesus, not only to those friends of His who lived during His time on earth but also to those who choose to obey and follow Him today.  Jesus said in John 15:13, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”  He more than fulfilled this statement, for He died not only for His friends, but for His enemies as well.  Jesus gave the ultimate sacrifice for all of us – how much are we willing to sacrifice for Him as well as our friends? 

            May we always strive to be loving, generous, loyal friends who work to bring others to God and are willing to make sacrifices for our friends, and most importantly, for Jesus.  

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Filed under: Devotional, Michael Carter on November 21st, 2008