A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity. Proverbs 17:17 NIV
Life is about relationships. We love and live by the people that we meet on our way to fulfilling God's purpose for our lives. All the people we meet on our life's journey come to us for a reason. Some of them are to be with us for a season, and others are to be with us for a lifetime. There are some who are to teach us some life lessons such as patience, while others are to draw out the hidden potential that we never knew we had. Whatever is the reason why God has placed people in my path to destiny, or placed me in the path of other people's destinies, I owe it to God to find out that reason, and when I have discovered it, to pursue it with whole hearted devotion.
Am I a friend in the way that has been defined in today's extract? Am I in only for what I can get out of it? Do I give up and give in when things get rough, or am I settled for the long haul? It appears that from today's extract, I cannot be called a friend if I am seasonal. Yes, it can happen that I am brought into another person's path for a season, but for as long as I am in that person's life, I must impact that life for God. I must pass on that which God has planted in me for the benefit of that person. That is what true friendship is, as defined by God. What makes it better is that He has shown by personal example what true friendship looks like. He won't demand it if He did not first give it.
And then it gets a bit more complex and interesting. This statement: a brother is born for adversity - needs a second look. You would wonder why a brother is born, and you would think it should not be because of adversity. But then consider this: it is in and through adversity that the value of friendship and brotherhood is tested and proven. How would I know who you are and if you would stay with me if there are no tough times ahead? Relationships are both tested and strengthened by difficult times. When I know that I can trust you with my life, I can face whatever life throws at me. When I know you have my back, I do not have to worry about backstabbing.
As I take stock of my own life today, can I say, of a truth, that I am a good friend, as described here? Am I one who can be viewed as a blessing in times of adversity? Jesus has shown the way and laid out the perfect example of a selfless life, and He calls me to the same standard. If I am his child, I cannot live less than his expectations. People will rub me off the wrong way; how do I respond? Can I allow the life and love of God to flow out of me to be a blessing even in the face of pressure? Hard times will come; it is even likely that friends will disappoint or disappear when you need them. The issue then must not be about what they did, but about who I am. Can God find me faithful to recommend me to another person? Can he find me a faithful friend? God's time of favour is here.
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