A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity

Be a friend who loves in all seasons

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” (Proverbs‬ ‭17:17‬ ‭ESV)‬

‬ “… but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” ‭‭(Proverbs‬ ‭18:24‬b ‭ESV‬‬)

Try to picture out the happiest moments of your life so far. Picture out the funny moments where you laughed out hard all the time, or the cool travel where you reached the most beautiful places you’ve seen, swam in the most beautiful beaches, mesmerized in the beautiful view from the peak of a mountain, and enjoyed the food you’ve never tasted before. To some, maybe it is just a simple sleepover with deep conversations or fun jamming where you sing your hearts out. I’m sure that while you look back at these amazing moments, your friends are always in the picture.

Proverbs 17:17 and Proverbs 18:24 reminds us of the beauty of a relationship called friendship.

“A friend loves..”

As a friend, we must love. We all have our different love languages. Show love to your friend today in your own special way. With a lot of things going on, maybe they need your love, so they can see God’s love expressed to them through you. And it is an encouraging reminder also that our friends love us, too. Your friends love you, too.

“..at all times. A brother is born for adversity.”

In every season of our friends’ life, let us work on to be there for them. Whenever they are in darkest and most painful moments, be there for them. If they achieved something, be there for them. They don’t just need you when they are struggling, they also need someone to celebrate their triumphs with. Share God’s love at all times.

“…there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

One of the greatest things in life is when you found friends who stick closer than a brother, who you can consider family. A relationship where you can be openly true to yourself whether you’re at the top of your game or at the bottom part of your life. A friendship bounded by the love of Christ and deep trust and care towards each other.

Continue to build friendships and relationships. Not relationships founded on convenience or sense of need, but founded on the love of God. Not temporary but those that will stick closer than a brother.

And at certain times we feel that we have no one because everyone is busy with their own personal lives, never forget that the Lord Jesus also calls you His friend (John 15:15). Jesus loves you! He will always and forever love you!

_________________

JJ Baluyot

6/9/2021