Together in Christ: 'A Velcro® Friend' — Proverbs 17:17

Saturday, May 31, 2025

A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.

— Proverbs 17:17 NLT

Key Thought

How did we survive before Velcro® and zip ties? These two fastening inventions prove themselves useful almost daily in our households. They hold together many things at, in, and around our houses. They're handy, durable, and dependable.

Isn't that what we need in our friendships and spiritual relationships - a loyal friend with an enduring commitment and a dependable presence? Many people want to be our "friends" when things are going well. They're happy to accompany us when we have money. They're loyal to us as long as we are well and can run around doing fun stuff with them. But will they be there during tough times, when money is scarce, or life is hard? This genuine friend will help us handle the ups and downs of life's messes. [1] These are what I like to call "Velcro® friends" - people who stick with us through thick and thin! And, if we are going to have "Velcro® friends," then we had better be "Velcro® friends" to others!

[1] Galatians 6:2, 1 John 3:18 NIV; Romans 12:15 NIV.

Today's Prayer

Father, please keep people in my life that are Spirit-filled and who will commit to being a "Velcro® friend" in my life. Be with me, Lord, as I commit to being that kind of friend to others. I trust the Holy Spirit to empower me to love and produce an endless supply of Your love, [A] O God, from within me that will flow out of me and into the lives of others who need Jesus. [B] In Jesus' mighty name, I pray. Amen.

[A] Romans 5:5.
[B] John 7:37-39.

Related Scripture Readings

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4 Related Resources by Heartlight

Proverbs 17:17
Devo: Daily Wisdom
"A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity."
The Love of a Friend
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e-card on friendship: A friend loves at all times. - Proverbs 17:17
Making a Friend
Article by Betty Jo Mings
Can you love the unlovable? If we are willing, we can love the unlovable and encourage them to know Jesus.
Ministry of the Presence
Article by Mike Barres
What can we do to help others when their world collapses? God cares about our struggles and sent Jesus to us to show us the way back to his heart.

Illustration

Illustration of Proverbs 17:17 NLT — A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.

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About This Devotional

Together in Christ is a daily devotional that focuses on what Scripture teaches about godly living in relationships.

'Together in Christ' is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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