A friend loves at all times,
and a brother is born for adversity.
–Proverbs 17:17
The great Presbyterian preacher Donald Barnhouse once said, “True love must leave the stage and walk the real paths of life.” By that, he meant that someone who really loves others doesn’t just love in the good seasons of life. They also love in the hard times. They love in both the showroom and the warehouse… in the sanctuary as well as the streets.
That’s the only kind of love that’s truthful because, in life, there are those people who stick by your side when things are great, yet are nowhere to be found when the world seems to collapse around you. That’s because, if we’re honest, being a fair-weather friend is easier than sticking around when the storms hit.
As believers, there are two lessons we can learn from this. First of all, we need to be the kinds of friends who endure tough times with those we love. And second, it’s crucial we seek out friends who will stick with us when hard times come our way.
Godly, enduring friends are one of God’s greatest gifts. So be a true friend by sticking through tough times with others. Find good friends who will do the same with you. And above all else, remember that in Christ, you’ll never walk alone because He sticks closer to you than a brother!
TRUE FRIENDS ENDURE TOUGH TIMES TOGETHER. SEEK OUT AND BE THE KIND OF FRIEND WHO STICKS CLOSE WHEN TIMES GET TOUGH.
