Two Tests Of True Friendship

REFERENCE: Proverbs 17:17 A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.

Observation: How are we at being a friend? Let’s take the test. The first thing the Proverbist suggests is that a friend is always loyal. As it says in another Proverb; a friend is one that sticks closer than a brother. This test of friendship is often challenged not by what we do but by what we say. When we are away from our friend, when it is doubtful that they will ever hear our words (or so we think!), what do we share with others about them? When they have given us something to hold in confidence, do we?

Loyalty is also a function of holding up our end of the relationship. It means calling when we have not seen them for a while. It means praying for them and encouraging them. And, as then second half of this verse suggests, it means being there for them, especially, in the difficult times.

It can be that the "time of need" is when there is conflict in the friendship. It is the ultimate friendship test that when we are in a disagreement we don’t run away, we work through it.

More often the "time of need" is simply difficult personal circumstances that our friend is going through. The test is are we as much there for them in those times as we are when things are good and fun? It is easy, too easy, to be a fair weather friend. If everything is OK so are we but when hard times come we disappear.

How do you do in passing the friendship tests?

Application/Confession: I am so thankful for my friendships. I want to be the best friend I can be. I know that there times that could be more proactive in reaching out to them. I want to do that.

PRAYER: Thank you Lord for the friends you have given me. Help me never to take them for granted but to always apply myself to loving and serving them.