BE A TRUE FRIEND

“Ointment and perfume delight the heart, And the sweetness of a man’s friend gives delight by hearty counsel.” ~ Proverbs 27:9

REFERENCE:

Proverbs 17:17, Proverbs 27:9

In concluding the devotion to fostering friendships, let us focus on being true friends to others. Just as we desire meaningful connections, we must extend the same love, support, and grace to those around us. Instead of wondering if people are good friends, be one; be to people what you would want them to be to you. Be a true friend.

Today’s verses show the ingredients for friendship; you will be considered a true friend by others if they are found in you. Consistency of love, staying with your friends in adversity, and being ready to give genuine, honest, and hearty counsel. How can you become a genuinely true friend?

a. Be Selfless: Nothing makes us value a person more than seeing them forget about themselves to help or be there for us. In Mark 2, four friends left everything to take their paralytic friend to Jesus. They stopped their businesses and incurred the cost of fixing the roof they tore up to get him to Jesus. To be a true friend, find ways to help and support your friends without expecting anything in return, embodying Christ’s sacrificial love.

b. Listen Empathetically: Many people are lonely, discouraged, and suicidal because they don’t feel heard. They cry for help, but we are too busy to listen. People want to be heard – this is at the core of deep friendships. Listening is golden. Listen to understand and identify with your friends’ joys, worries, and struggles. Show empathy and offer wise and sincere advice when needed. Create a space where your friends feel heard, loved, and understood.

c. Be Gracious and Forgiving: Friends will hurt each other. Being ready to overlook and forgive will help preserve your friendship. Forgiveness is the foundation of healthy relationships, but it takes humility and a willingness to let go of bitterness. When you give grace and forgiveness, you are saying that you value your friendship more than your hurt; you are fostering the spirit of true and Christlike love in your friendship. A gracious friend is an indispensable friend.

David said a friend loves at all times; the second part of that scripture can mean this: “and he becomes a brother if he has gone through adversity with us.” Will you be that friend that stays even through adversity? You need the support and protection that friendship gives; you can’t go alone; you need friends. However, to have friends, decide today to be a true friend. Jesus is that friend that sticks closer than a brother. WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS.

PHOTO QUOTE

ADDITIONAL TEXTS:

Philippians 2:2-4, James 1:19, and Proverbs 20:6

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PRAYER:

+ Ask God to let you encounter and experience Jesus as the friend who sticks closer than a brother; to experience His unadulterated love in new ways this season.

+ Ask God for the courage to let go of bitterness and resentment and choose love and mercy instead.

+ O Lord, heal and restore my broken relationships. Holy Spirit, make me a true friend and bring about reconciliation, in Jesus’ name.