What A Friend We Have!

Read Proverbs 18

There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.

Proverbs 18:24

What better meditation could we have on the meaning of this proverb than the words of Jesus? “This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me” (John 15:12-15).

Jesus demonstrated the greatest love of a friend. He laid down his life for us. As wonderful and close as brothers can be, there is a place for friendship that is even closer. Part of this comes from the fact that brothers aren’t chosen, but friends are. A brother (or sister) who chooses to be a friend is as close as humans can be. The only relationship closer is the one Jesus defined as his alone. His death would ransom and save his friends in a way no one else could do and which they could never do for themselves. What a friend we have in Jesus!

A WORD FOR TODAY

Friendship is proven over time and through trouble.

Today, Lord, I thank you for your sacrificial gift, for giving me the immeasurable honor of your friendship.