Tuesday 26 July

To Have One, Be One

Read John 15:9-17

A man who has friends must himself be friendly.  Proverbs 18:24

All of us need one or two close friends.  A small boy defined a friend as “someone who knows all about you and likes you just the same.”  Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “A friend may well be reckoned the masterpiece of nature.”  And from Henry Durbanville comes this observation: “A friend is the first person to come in when the whole world goes out.”

Solomon wrote in Proverbs 17:17, “A friend loves at all times”.  We can’t improve on that definition.  To have someone who remains true to us under all circumstances is one of life’s choicest blessings.  The support and encouragement that only an intimate friend can offer is sorely needed when the burdens of life weigh heavily upon us.  Jesus, of course, is the ultimate friend, for He laid down His life for His friends (John 15:13).

Proverbs 18:24 takes us beyond a description of what is means to be a friend. It says that “a man who has friends must himself be friendly.” The implication is clear:  Friendliness must begin with us.  We must take the initiative in developing relationships with others.  Let us be to others what we desire for ourselves.  When it comes to friends, to have one you must be one!  Richard De Haan

I went outside to find a friend

But could not find one there;

I went outside to be a friend,

And friends were everywhere!  Anon

Friends are seldom found; they are made.  Wentworth.

Prayer:

Pray for the Christians in the countries where persecution is rife.

Pray for the police, who often appear to be corrupt, and yet are probably fearful of those in power.

Remember the Christians who are in prison for their faith and trust in God. Ask God to continue to help them to bless His name in all their circumstances..