Proverbs 18:24: A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Insight
If you want to have friends, then show yourself friendly. By the way, are you a friend to your friends? “There is a friend that sticks closer than a brother.” Do you know who He is? He is closer to you than a brother can be. If you are not obeying Him, I take it that you’re not one of His friends. Jesus is a friend who will stick closer than a brother. He is our Savior. He loved us enough to die for us. He is the one who says, “… lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world …” (Matt. 28:20) and “… I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Heb. 13:5). Also He has given us this promise: “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:3). There isn’t anything you can do to improve such an arrangement. We have a wonderful Friend who sticks closer than any brother. 1
Application
It is better to have a true friend (“one who loves”) than many less reliable companions. Build into each other lives, without any false motivate or manipulation. Start with you spouse. Continue with your children. Expand within the Body of Christ. Read 1 Corinthians 13 to understand what love is and what love is not.
Motivation
You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. John 15:14
There is an answer for loneliness: become a friend to others. – TWEET IT
Prayer
Father, thank You for Your faithful friendship to me, even when I am not as faithful as I want to be.
1. McGee, J. V. (1991). Thru the Bible commentary: Poetry (Proverbs) (electronic ed., Vol. 20). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
