We all need more real friends.
And more people need us to act as real friends.
We can have plenty of acquaintances we label as friends.
But unless those people are actually willing to intercede to help us when needed, are they really friends?
If we’re not willing to help somebody that we’ve described as our friend, are we really their friend?
God knows that we want and need real friends, loyal friends, interceding friends.
People we can trust to help us, not harm us.
If someone gossips about us, are they our friend?
If someone insults us, are they our friend?
If someone sees us in need and chooses not to help in any way, are they our friend?
Friends love. And that means, according to I Cor. 13:4, they always protect.
I want to be a real friend to more people.
And that means I need to be more diligent in seeking ways to help others, encourage others, defend others, pray for/with others.
Solomon described our vision for friendship in Proverbs 18:24 —
“There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.”
Let’s strive to build friendships that are not contingent upon circumstances but instead upon the leading of God to love in an enduring, interceding, encouraging, sacrificing way.
After all, there’s nothing better than experiencing a loyal love.
As always, I love you
Martin
