JANUARY 25

PROVERBS 18:24

A TRUE FRIEND IS CLOSER THAN A BROTHER

In some places, people are more friendly and helpful as they depend on each other’s support. Neighbours can therefore become closer than blood relatives living far apart. In some countries, the people can appear very friendly. Some may even greet strangers with words like "Hi love" but do not really mean what they say. Friendly people will attract many friends. However, while we are friendly, we must also choose our friends carefully. We need to pray for true friends who will stick like a brother?

We have one true great friend in the Lord Jesus Christ. How do we know that? The Bible tells us he loves us and has given his life for us. He is faithful to share all our burdens, encourages us when we are downtrodden, and shelters us from harm. A genuine friend like Jesus will be faithful to the end, listening to our every problem and sticking to us through thick and thin.

For us to have sincere friends, we must first be sincere. Do you love our friends sincerely enough to tell them about Jesus if they are not Christians? Or do you sometimes deny knowing Jesus so that you can stay popular with some of them? Don’t be tempted to do that. Stick close to Jesus and He will give you true and faithful friends to study and play with.

Complete the words of this famous hymn:
         
What a friend we have in __________________,
 All our_________________ and griefs to bear,
What a privilege to carry,
Everything to God in ____________________.

Thought: One true friend worth more than ten insincere ones.
Prayer: Thank you Heavenly Father, for the many friends you have given me. Help me to be a true friend myself. And I pray I’d have wisdom to mix with good kids, and that in turn, I’ll treasure them. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.