DEVOTIONAL INSIGHTS & REFLECTIONS

Friendship - December 21

There are times when friendship is not ideal... We may even want to "shun" someone not behaving well. We may regret that we allowed a friendship to form in the first place.

But does God let us off the hook?

Proverbs 17:17:
A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. (KJV)

A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need. (New Living Translation)

Proberbs 27:6
Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. (KJV)

Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy. (New Living Translation)

…The poor man utters supplications, But the rich man answers roughly. A man of too many friends comes to ruin, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. (His name is Jesus.) ~Proverbs 18:23-24 (New American Standard)

Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. ~John 15:13

Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” ~1 Corinthians 15:33

“He who withholds kindness from a friend forsakes the fear of the Almighty. ~Job 6:14

Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: ~1 Peter 4:8-10

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. ~John 15:12-14

Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man, lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare. Be not one of those who give pledges, who put up security for debts. If you have nothing with which to pay, why should your bed be taken from under you? ~Proverbs 22:24-27

We must weigh everything carefully in the light of His Word, allowing His Word to bring balance.

And admonishment is sometimes necessary...

Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the Law of Christ.… ~Galatians 6:1&2

If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. ~Matthew 18:15

Finally, brothers, we ask and encourage you in the Lord Jesus to live in a way that is pleasing to God, as you have received from us. This is how you already live, so you should do so all the more. ~1 Thessalonians 4:1

He must gently reprove those who oppose him, in the hope that God may grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth. ~2 Timothy 2:25

Finally, I believe God is a God of second chances...