Proverbs 17:17, True Friendship – True Brotherhood

November 15, Proverbs 17:17

Ruth 1:11-18; John 15:13-14 “He is not ashamed to call them brethren.”

True Friendship – True Brotherhood

Writers of every strip have sung the praises of true friendship, but some of the most lovely thoughts every written about friendship are found in Holy Scripture (Ruth; David and Jonathan, 1 Sm. 18:3, 19:2; 20:17). Is it not most amazing, even awesome, to hear God saying, Abraham, My Friend (Isa. 41:8; Jas. 2:23)?

1. The Standard: A friend loves at all times. This should be true of earthly friends. Emerson said, “Every man passes his life in search after friendship.” Sadly, however, the reality is that few men ever enjoy from others the truest and highest form of friendship (CHS). Friendships can’t be just “wished for,” they have to be made in the school of life. Further, even the best of human relations have usually some weaknesses. We cannot know the best about someone without knowing the worst as well. Therefore, says Spurgeon, Take this text and refer it to the Lord Jesus Christ. “No friend except Christ deserves unlimited confidence. In Him the text did receive and still receives its most glorious fulfillment” (Henry). How startling, yet how precious, to hear the enemies of Jesus level the charge against Him that He was the friend of publicans and sinners (Mt. 11:19)! Paul affirms of Christ, For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one; for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren (Heb. 2:11). Should we not bear with a friend’s infirmities or oddities, as Christ does with ours?

2. The Standfast: A true friend is like a brother born for (or in) adversity. Yes, in adversity, for this is the common lot of mankind! “Adversity is commonly reputed to be the touchstone of friendship” (Lawson). Here is a friendship characterised by constancy. Christ is the True Friend who loves in adversity, at all times! There is a clear obligation on the part of Christians to love one another as Christ loved us (Jn. 15:12-15). Alas! This is not always the case. What is more tragic in human life than broken friendships, especially among brethren in Christ? We have all had fair weather friends. There are “Swallow-friends that fly to you in summer, but are gone in winter; such friends there is no loss of” (Henry). When we really need them, they shun us, but is it not in adversity that true friends are needed most? Happily, it is also true that “the firmest friendships have been fashioned in mutual adversity, as iron is most strongly united by the fiercest flame” (Colton). A real friend comes in when all others (counterfeits) go out! Thomas Watson well said, “Counterfeiting friendship is worse than counterfeiting money.” A friend may not approve at all times; or agree at all times, but he or she can and does love at all times. Let the same be said of each one of you who has found Jesus Christ to be your truest Friend and dearest Brother. “Friendship cemented by Christian brotherhood has a firm foundation.”

That friendship firm will ever bide
Whose hands unto the Cross are tied.

Thought: “A friend is one who comes in when the world goes out” (Anon.)

Prayer: Lord, help me to strive more earnestly to love others as Thou lovest me.