Wisdom for Peacemakingنموونە

You are a friend of Jesus. He has not hidden from you anything the Father has revealed to him. He has made all known to you as his friend. Think about a friend or faithful companion—how do they act, and how have you developed closeness? In these two Proverbs, you will see three characteristics of a friend or true companion and one characteristic of an enemy:

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

Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy. (Proverbs 27:6)

A friend loves no matter what. Jesus is this kind of friend, showing constant, unfailing love. He walks with you through your adversity. He affirms and reassures you, and he also is faithful to correct you. His correction may feel like a wound at the time, but in the long run, it is a blessing.

APPLICATION

What type of friend are you? Are you a friend who only blows meaningless kisses? Or are you a faithful friend who is willing to love at all times? Here’s what I know: going through adversity together or working through a conflict can develop true closeness.

Lord, help me to be a true friend to others. Please help me stay faithful even in adversity and differences. (Continue praying.)