A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
—Proverbs 18:24 (KJV)
Close spiritual friends — the kind that can hold us accountable when we need it, build us up when we're down, or celebrate with us when we've enjoyed success — are truly rare. So many people are lonely; they're lonely for something, or better yet, someone, they've never experienced. We have a tendency in modern western culture to have acquaintances and companions instead of friends and partners. When things go poorly, when we have nothing to offer to them, acquaintances can run away in times of trouble, or fade away if things are long and protracted. There are, however, true friends whose commitment and dedication are deeper than even physical family. How do I know? God promised it! I've seen it! My family has been blessed by it! So let's hear the call to be that kind of friend to others and in so doing, we will often find that kind of friend for ourselves.
Gracious and holy Father, thank you so much for calling me into your family. Please bless me as I seek to enter into meaningful friendships with those in your family. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
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—Proverbs 18:24 (KJV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
Close spiritual friends — the kind that can hold us accountable when we need it, build us up when we're down, or celebrate with us when we've enjoyed success — are truly rare. So many people are lonely; they're lonely for something, or better yet, someone, they've never experienced. We have a tendency in modern western culture to have acquaintances and companions instead of friends and partners. When things go poorly, when we have nothing to offer to them, acquaintances can run away in times of trouble, or fade away if things are long and protracted. There are, however, true friends whose commitment and dedication are deeper than even physical family. How do I know? God promised it! I've seen it! My family has been blessed by it! So let's hear the call to be that kind of friend to others and in so doing, we will often find that kind of friend for ourselves.
My Prayer...
Gracious and holy Father, thank you so much for calling me into your family. Please bless me as I seek to enter into meaningful friendships with those in your family. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
Continue reading...
