A True Friend

Proverbs 18:24, AMP

“The man of too many friends [chosen indiscriminately] will be broken in pieces and come to ruin, But there is a [true, loving] friend who [is reliable and] sticks closer than a brother.”

True friends are hard to find. For example, how many of our “friends” visit us while we are incarcerated, or put money on our account so we can make phone calls or buy hygiene items? Very few, if any, right?

Yet, if we are really blessed, we finally find someone who sticks with us through hardship, encourages us when we are down, gives us direction when we are uncertain, provides wise advice when we seek it, and does not abandon us when we are difficult to get along with. They model for us how to be a true friend too. Such a friend is rare and invaluable.

Having once been so selfish and manipulative of people, it is amazing to me now how God has given me several truly unselfish and unconditionally loving friends. I never dreamed people could be so genuine and caring as those whom God has brought into my life. Once we put Him first in everything, He transforms us so we can be a true friend to others and He places the right people in our lives.

The Holy Spirit is our very best friend. He never abandons us, and loves us unconditionally even when we are sometimes acting un-loveable. He encourages us and gives us hope.

TODAY’S CHALLENGE:

Thank the Father for His unconditional love and friendship through His Holy Spirit.

Cherish your true friends, and the One Who is True.

Dive Deeper: John 15:9-17; 1 Corinthians 13; 1 John 4:7-12.