What a Friend We Have in Jesus

Scriptures: (Proverbs 17:17  NKJ)   A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. (Proverbs 18:24)  A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks (stays) closer than a brother.

We all have had friends/friendships- starting in grade school years and throughout adulthood. Our gaining of this friend may have been through some close association or is by routine social contacts.  According to the American Heritage Dictionary: a friend is a person one knows and with whom one has a bond of mutual affection, typically exclusive of sexual or family relations, a person you know well, like, and trust,  a person whom one knows acquaintance (Wikipedia).

When you make friends only on human terms and emotional/psychological love alone, you build friendships on shaky and weak foundations. As Christians, there needs to be a constant awareness of and relying on the Holy Spirit to filter out those who would defy a healthy friendship. Christian relationships should be Christ-centered to ensure reliability in a potential companion. “A Christ-centered relationship has its foundation in love for God and love from God.” (Natalie Regoli 2021)

Proverbs clarify that true friendship is based on LOVE because only love will endure the tests that friends experience as we go through life. “ A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity” (Prov. 17:17). It is possible to have many companions and no real friendship. “A person of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother” (Prov. 18:24). “Friendship must be cultivated, and its root must go deep” (W. Wiersbe -Commentary. 2007).

God’s people must be careful in choosing friends. That would be the righteous ones, for the wicked lead them astray. “He who walks with the wise will be wise, but the companions of fools will be destroyed” (Prov. 13:20). A friendship that is based on money/riches (Prov. 6:1-5), people with bad tempers (Prov. 22:24-25), people who speak foolishly (Prov. 14:7), or he who rebels against authority (Prov. 24:21-22) are destined to be disappointing. Saints, heed to (Ps. 1:1or II Cor.6:14-18). Choose wisely; everybody can not be your friend. If so-something is wrong, or many things are heading wrong.

Assuredly, there is no friend like the lowly Jesus. He is a trustworthy,  reliable friend -for He has my back continually. His relationship with me is natural and with unconditional love. He renders limitless aid in all areas of my yielded life. God has given you and me 66 books, called the Bible-that we may know His will and learn about His begotten Son. His love is everlasting, and His mercy endures through generations. I am glad about it. Is Jesus Christ your friend?

Prayer: Thank, You Lord, for saving my soul. I now have Jesus, my friend, for an eternity. In Christ Jesus. Amen

(by Novella D. Carpenter)