A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. — Proverbs 17:17 KJV
Reflections in Verse
The life of Jesus Christ is the best example of the characteristics of a genuine buddy or a cherished brother that anyone has ever lived. Jesus reminded us that the greatest love is expressed when a friend is prepared to give up his own life for that of his friend, or to forego his own desires and needs for the sake of his dearly beloved friend. A true friend loves at all times, in good circumstances as well as during times of the greatest difficulty and hardships, and Jesus said that this is the kind of love that surpasses all other kinds of love.
It is a grace that becomes all the more precious when, despite intensifying hardships, a friend is there to comfort and help, and the Scriptures remind us never to abandon a friend, nor even to forsake the friends of your father or mother. Loyalty in friendship is a grace that becomes all the more precious when, despite intensifying hardships, a friend is there to comfort and help. True connections in general are extremely valuable, but it is a double benefit when those friendships are passed down from generation to generation.
How tragic it is when a confidence is betrayed or a friendship is severed as a result of gossip or the inability to keep a confidence that has been given to one. The Scriptures remind us that a gossip betrays a confidence, but a man of integrity keeps a secret, saying, “A talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy conceals a matter.” An unguarded tongue or the inability to maintain trust can become a sharp blade that can slice through a valued friendship.
While being truthful is another sign of a genuine friendship, because the Bible tells us that “the wounds of a friend are faithful, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” Although correction is not always desired, when it comes from a trustworthy, sympathetic, and devoted friend, it is something that should always be accepted and welcomed. Even though the truth may sting our pride, when the truth is spoken in love, it should always be acted upon, because through it, the Spirit of God will teach a valuable lesson and further build our Christian character and grace. A true and lasting friendship can never be built on deceitfulness or duplicity.
The characteristics of a brother who walks through misfortune with us include loyalty, sensitivity, and a real interest in the other person. Wise counsel and spiritual support are the calling card of the buddy who loves at all times. We pray that we would imitate these characteristics in our interactions with our friends, and that we will give thanks to God when we find that they are the characteristics that define our own friends as well as our brothers and sisters in Christ.
A Prayer
Heavenly Father, I want to express my gratitude to You for the wonderful people that You have placed in my life as well as the love and solace that I have received from them over the course of my life. I pray that I will be able to cultivate the many qualities that are essential to genuine friendship, and that You would use me to be a friend to others when they are in need. In the name of Jesus, I beg for this, Amen.
