Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 17:17

by David Chadwick "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." Proverbs 17:17 God has a high value for strong, biblical, refining relationships all throughout Scripture. Look at the many times God commands what has been referred to by many pastors as "the one anothers." James 5:16 says to confess to and pray for one another. John 13:34 says to love one another. Galatians 5:13 says to serve one another. Galatians 6:2 said we should carry one another's burdens. Ephesians 4:32 says to be kind and compassionate with another. The list goes on and on and on. The heart's cry of every person is to have good, loyal, and true friends. People with whom we can live out "the one anothers." In a world full of selfish ambition, personal agendas, and performance-based love, friendships that carry this depth of loyalty are so rare. More than loyalty, what is even rarer is a friend born for adversity. A true friend will walk with you through both joys AND trials. He or she is not just there for the good times, the chuckles, and the fun moments. While it is wonderful to share great memories, the mark of real relational depth and strength is found when life is not perfect. When sins are revealed. When you step on each other's toes. When you let each other down. When you're broken and have nothing to give. A true friend is always there, in both the good times and the bad, but especially during the fires. That friend is a forever kind of friend. It's the most wonderful gift when this person is your spouse, the one to whom you have a covenant for all your life! Also, when they are your kids who have moved from children to close friends through the years. Do you have any friends like this in your life? Those who will stand by you no matter what? Those who are there for you no matter what? If so, count your blessings and take a moment today to reach out to them and thank them for being a true friend and brother or sister. You truly have one of life's greatest joys!