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God's Words For US
by Cecelia Lester
“A Friend loves at all times and a brother is born for adversity.”
Proverbs 17:17 (NIV)
As I initially start to write this essay, I am preparing to go to a celebration of life. A very dear friend of ours has been allowed to go live with Jesus. This is a bittersweet time for those who knew her.
King Solomon spoke of two relationships in our focus verse. That of a friend, then of a brother.
As I was growing up, I heard people say, “I know who my true friends are.” Something had happened in their lives and certain “friends” were nowhere around. As I reflect on these memories, the circumstances were not very serious—in the matters of life.
As I mature in years and in the faith, I see events with a different ‘set of glasses.’ We won’t always physically be there for one another but we can still pray for them.
Solomon spoke of a ‘brother being born of adversity.’ In our walk with Christ, we have friendships that have very deep roots. They are stronger than the ‘true friends’ spoken of in our younger years. Some of these ties are stronger than family relationships. These are friendships forged by Jesus Christ.
The friendships Jesus forges last forever. They withstand the separation of the people involved through one moving away, through family difficulties and health crises. Deep feelings are shared and confidences are kept. When something happens to a brother/sister, the other one will almost feel as bad as the injured one but has to remain strong to help the hurt one through the pain and sorrow.
Sometimes, our closest friends are not anything like us. They complement us. One of my closest friends always sees the good in a circumstance, while I have to search to find it. (I am getting better about seeing the silver lining.) One time when I was upset, she sat next to me and said, “It would not be a pretty sight for us both to be ‘down’ at the same time.”
Another close friend gave me a plaque that reads, “A friend is one who comes in when others go away.” It is one of my favorite plaques.
There is a saying that has gone around the Internet via e-mail. “There are friends we have for a season. (People come into our lives for a while.) We have some friends for a reason. (Some friendships are formed in order to accomplish something.) Other friendships are forever. (Those that are extremely close and the ones Jesus forms.)
I think of King David and his relationship with Jonathan. He was a loyal friend in spite of his relationship with King Saul, Jonathan’s father. He demonstrated loyalty in both relationships because of his relationship and loyalty.
Dear God: Thank you for Your friendship and for giving us dear Christian friends. Let us give continual thanks for the bonds You have forged among Your children. We give You praise for all You do. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen
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Cecelia Lester has been serious about her writing for over two decades..
She composes Christian essays and posts them to her blog quietspirit-followingmyking.blogspot.com/
She has served in a faith-based organization, Grace In Action by writing two newsletters and searching for possible grants.
In July 2017, she published her first book, 'Times of Trouble Bring Rays of Joy.'
She and her husband of 54 years live in central Indiana. They have one grown son.
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