Proverbs 18:24

One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother ~ Proverbs 18:24

 Friendship needs to be cultivated, as do all relationships we have in this life. It stems from like interests, from commonality in some way, but then it grows in love and appreciation for the other. A good friend may not be seen for days, or months, but the bond remains tight, the benevolence ever at the ready, the comfort ever there. It is a mutual interchange and mutual sacrifice. But there is a different friend we may encounter too - one that is expensive and in every way, unprofitable. These friends are “bought” friends. In other words, they need from you and take from you, but never give to you. It is not a mutual interchange or mutual sacrifice. Nothing you could ever do for them would be enough, for they would always want more until they drain you. So, in life, look for the friend who will stick closer than a brother, one who will stand by you in the most disastrous of circumstances and will not fail you. A fair weather friend, or as I put it, a “bought” friend, will not do this for you when you are down and out. As Christians, our best friend is Jesus, to Him we can go with any problem, sorrow, joy, or exultation, and through prayer, we communicate. He will never let you down, He will always be there beside you. But, just as an earthly friendship must be cultivated, so much our relationship with Jesus. He is not a “fair weather friend”, but a friend for all time and all places and all circumstances. As you should not neglect your earthly friend, neither should you neglect your heavenly friend!
Devotion by Pastor Julia

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