Bible reading: Proverbs 27
“Open rebuke is better than secret love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses 0f an enemy are deceitful” – Proverbs 27:5-6 (kjv)
These verses from Proverbs tell us that true friendship includes honest rebuke when needed, and states that it is better than insincere compliments from an enemy. Even though a friend’s words of correction may wound us, it is an act of love if it spares us from future trouble and pain. Friends who are close to us know us better than others who are just acquaintances. Because of this, they see both our good and our bad sides. Friends are a gift from God and it is important to maintain our friendships. A true friendship requires time spent together. It is during those times that we see into the souls of those whom we count as friends. If we truly love our friends, we will always want the very best for them. Christian friendships have an added element that makes them even more blessed. That ingredient is having the presence of the Lord Jesus involved in the midst of our relationships. Friendships in Christ is one of the most blessed gifts we can experience.
A true friend will love us at all times, even those times when we are not so lovely. Proverbs 17:17 (kjv) says, “A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” They will even be to us as a brother who will stand with us when we go through adversity. That kind of friend will also be the kind that will speak the truth to us in love when we are doing something that is wrong. Speaking the truth when we need to hear it is a kindness to us as it can prevent us from going astray. It also can help us to mature in Christ. The Bible tells us that it is one of the ways that will help us grow up.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for being such a good Friend to me. Lord, I desire to also be a good friend to those You have put in my life. May I be the kind of friend who will not shy away from speaking the truth in love when the occasion calls for it. May I also be mindful to encourage my friends, to speak well of them, and to always be there for them when they need me. Also, Lord, may I not neglect my friendships and take the time necessary to nurture them, and may you always be in the middle of them in the name of Jesus, Amen!
Pastor Oladiran Oladipo