“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” (Prov.17:17)

We are able to identify our true friends by the way they love us, and likewise, the type of friend we are is identified by the way we love others.

In a season where my family is going through a very challenging time, I am happy to say that the Lord has blessed us richly by surrounding us with many true, genuine friends and spiritual family!

There are those friends that are like “fair-weather” sports fans- they only stick around when everything is going well, and there is something they are getting out of it. Then there are the biblically modeled friends (e.g. David and Jonathan) that love at all times, whom are our brothers and sisters and spiritual family, especially in times of adversity. The Word here says that they were actually BORN or CREATED for times of pain, challenge, and struggle!

Take a look at the definition of “love” from 1 Corinthians 13, and in times of trouble, you will be able to see which friends truly love you at all times. And more importantly than identifying those people in your life, strive to BE a true friend to others!

Lord, thank you for all of the wonderful friends and spiritual family that you have surrounded my family and I with. Your love flowing through them is unmistakable and undeniable, and I pray that we in return, can model and live out biblical, sacrificial friendship to the brothers and sisters that You have placed in our lives. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, may we all be able to love others with the love of Christ! Amen!

[From December 17, 2018]