Closer Than a Brother
Proverbs 18:24
A man of many companions may come to ruin,
but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
It is not the number but the depth of relationships that matter. It is good to have many companions. We are meant to be social creatures, and we should seek and enjoy the acquaintance of many people. And yet, what will sustain us through the trials of life and enrich our happiness is deep, meaningful friendship.
Such friendship arises both out of active and passive experience. You ought to desire and seek close friends. Many of us are reluctant to do so for various reasons, mostly out of timidity and fear of becoming vulnerable. But once a close friendship is formed, then it is a great blessing. For it is good to have a friend who sticks closer than a brother, who can understand and tolerate your moods and failings, who will encourage you when you are down and reprimand you when you are at fault.
But always remember the One who calls you his friend and is not ashamed to be known as your brother. No human friendship is guaranteed to last. We can offend both brother (and sister) and friend, and they can offend us. There is the one friend, Jesus Christ, who has already demonstrated a steadfast love that will never die. Keep up your relationship with him today; he is already sticking closer than a brother.
A man of many companions may come to ruin,
but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
It is not the number but the depth of relationships that matter. It is good to have many companions. We are meant to be social creatures, and we should seek and enjoy the acquaintance of many people. And yet, what will sustain us through the trials of life and enrich our happiness is deep, meaningful friendship.
Such friendship arises both out of active and passive experience. You ought to desire and seek close friends. Many of us are reluctant to do so for various reasons, mostly out of timidity and fear of becoming vulnerable. But once a close friendship is formed, then it is a great blessing. For it is good to have a friend who sticks closer than a brother, who can understand and tolerate your moods and failings, who will encourage you when you are down and reprimand you when you are at fault.
But always remember the One who calls you his friend and is not ashamed to be known as your brother. No human friendship is guaranteed to last. We can offend both brother (and sister) and friend, and they can offend us. There is the one friend, Jesus Christ, who has already demonstrated a steadfast love that will never die. Keep up your relationship with him today; he is already sticking closer than a brother.
posted by M Clark at 9/27/2013 09:04:00 AM
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