TRUE FRIENDS

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”  Proverbs 17:17

The Bible is not silent when it comes to the subject of friendship. The word "friend" is found about ninety times in the Bible. Human beings were created to be social creatures, meaning that we are most comfortable when we have family, friends and acquaintances. Friendship is an important element in a fulfilled, contented life, and those who have close friends, whether one or two or a multitude, will usually be happy and well-adjusted.

One way to know who your real friends are is by their loyalty. A genuine friend loves us through the best and worst of times. In fact, a friend’s true colors are revealed when we go through difficult or painful circumstances.

According to Proverbs it’s preferable to have one or two close, intimate companions than a host of superficial acquaintances. The person who maintains only surface relationships with a wide number of people may eventually face ruin for lack of good advice when it is really needed; “One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin” (Proverbs 18:24).

True friends also wound us. They’re willing to tell us the hard truth, even when it hurts. We can trust their honest feedback, but an enemy only multiplies kisses; “Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.”(Proverbs 27:6). Beware of someone who does not have the courage to confront you when you need it.

Some people make poor friends, so be careful what kind of friends you have. Always remember when it comes to friends, you choose your friends and don’t let your friends choose you. True friendship is one of the great gifts of life. The Bible also says, "A man that hath friends must show himself friendly" (Prov. 18:24).