October 16, 2022
“The Lord is a friend to those who fear him. He teaches them his covenant.” Psalms 25:14 (NLT)
“Can two people walk together without agreeing on the direction?” Amos 3:3 (NLT)
Friends are special and True Friends are a Gift from God! How many friends do you have? Who are they? Sometimes friends are closer than brothers or sisters. True Friends share companionship, fondness, respect, confidence, admiration, esteem, faithfulness, fellowship, harmony, helpfulness, trustworthiness, partnership, support, sympathy, trust, and understanding.
Moving to Michigan over 40 years ago, God blessed me with some wonderful friends. One of my first true friendships is with Wilma Parham. We have been friends for at least 40 years. I have heard the term “ride or die” which has several meanings, however, one of its meanings I feel could relate to our friendship “an expression for people who are faithful, loyal, and trustworthy in relationships.”
What kind of friend are you? There is a substantial difference between knowing someone well and being a true friend. The greatest evidence of True Friendship is loyalty, being available to help in times of distress or personal struggles. In order to have a friend, one must be a friend. Be the kind of True Friend the Bible encourages.
As God’s creation, we are created to be relational, and friendships are an important part of our lives. Yes, we need friends and people we can bond
with in mutual affection. But not just any friend! Proverbs 12:26, tell us, a righteous person does not take on just anybody as a friend; he chooses his friends carefully and discernment is absolutely necessary. Having the right friend in our lives is key, and sharing our deepest secrets is a mark of great and True Friendship.
The book of 1 Samuel chapter 18 through chapter 20, is an example of true friendship between David and Saul’s son Jonathan, who, in spite of his father Saul’s pursuit of David and attempts to kill him, stood by his friend.
The Word of God gives us the definition of a True Friend: “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” John 15:13-15. Above all, God is our very best friend.
A True Friend:
A true friend never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. 1 Corinthians 13:7.
A true friend shows love, and sticks together in all kinds of trouble no matter how difficult. Proverbs 17:17.
A true friend gives honest advice and encouragement, bringing joy to the heart. Proverbs 27:9.
A true friend admonishes when necessary, however, the restoration is done in love. Proverbs 27:5–6.
A true friend does not gossip. Proverbs 16:28.
A true friend forgives and does not hold resentment. Proverbs 17:9.
A true friend is trustworthy despite changing external circumstances. Proverbs 18:24.
A true friend helps in times of need and to face the worst. Ecclesiastes 4:9–12.
A true friend influences invigorate, sharpens, and is glued together with bonds of loyalty and commitment. Proverbs 27:17.
RX: A FRIENDLY 
HEART Psalm 25:14 “Friendship with the Lord is reserved for those who fear him. With them, he shares the secrets of his covenant.
When God shares the secrets of His promises with us, we know that He considers us His friends.
~ HOW ABOUT YOU? Are you a True Friend?
FATHER GOD: Thank You for the gift of True Friends, in the Precious, Powerful and Preeminent Name of Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord, Amen.