Thought for the Day

It is far better to receive the honest rebuke of a friend, than the insincere compliment of an enemy. True friends always desire the very best for us and are a gift from God. They love us at all times, even when we are not so lovely, and will stand with us through adversity. "A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity" (Proverbs 17:17). They know us better than any acquaintance, for they see both our good and bad sides. Their speaking the truth when we need to hear it is a precious gift which we would be foolish not to accept. Their correction may wound us, but this act of love can spare us trouble and pain in the future. Speaking the truth in love is a kindness that can keep us from going astray and help us to mature in Christ. "That we henceforth be no more children...But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ" (Ephesians 4:14-15).

Maintaining friendships requires time. To have friends we must be friendly and nurture our friends with kindness. We see into the souls of our friends by spending time with them. Because the Lord Jesus is in the midst of us, there is a deeper dimension to our Christian friendships than with others. A friend in Christ is among God's greatest blessings. Proverbs 18:24 reveals that there is a Friend that stays even closer to us than a brother, and that friend is Jesus: "A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother." Our friends and family will at times fail or disappoint us, even as we disappoint them, because we all sin and have limitations. The Son of God, however, is limitless in power and love. He will never fail us, no matter how badly we may fail Him. Friendship with Jesus has no constraints. He is always there for us.

Every Christian can cultivate a relationship with Jesus Christ. Friendship, however - even with God - must work both ways. Because of his obedience, Abraham was known as a friend of God. How wonderful it would be to be known as a friend of God as Abraham was! There is only one way to become His friend, and that is by spending quality time with Him. The most important thing that cements our friendship with God is obeying Him. Our obedience demonstrates our faith, love, and commitment to Him. "If ye love me, keep my commandments" (John 14:15).