Sunday, February 20, 2005
 

A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Proverbs 18:24, New International Version

    Close spiritual friends -- the kind that can hold us accountable when we need it, build us up when we're down, or celebrate with us when we've enjoyed success -- are truly rare. So many people are lonely; they're lonely for something, or better yet, someone, they've never experienced. We have a tendency in modern western culture to have acquaintances and companions instead of friends and partners. When things go poorly, when we have nothing to offer to them, acquaintances can run away in times of trouble or fade away if things are long and protracted. There are, however, true friends whose commitment and dedication are deeper than even physical family. How do I know? God promised it! I've seen it! My family has been blessed by it! So let's hear the call to be that kind of friend to others and in so doing, we will often find that kind of friend for ourselves.