WISDOM FOR TRUE FRIENDSHIP

“As iron sharpens iron, so a man SHARPENS the countenance of HIS FRIEND” – Proverbs 27:17

Destiny Fulfilment is linked closely to WISDOM for TRUE FRIENDSHIP: “As iron sharpens iron, so a man SHARPENS the countenance of HIS FRIEND” (Pro. 27:17). Friendship is truly one of the greatest gifts in life. Godly Friendship is authentic, caring, constructive, dependable, encouraging, empathetic, forgiving, genuine, healthy, honest, loyal, respectful, trustworthy, and true. God knows our desire to relate and to be loved! He made us for companionship and relationship. If chosen right, our friends can be great channels of love, encouragement, fulfilment, healing, and joy.

Scripture instructs us to choose our friends wisely, because with godly friends comes godly wisdom: “Ointment and perfume delight the heart, and the sweetness of a man’s friend gives delight by hearty counsel” (v.9). Friends are often divinely designated in our lives to be the Voice of Wisdom during difficult times. God sends them, often in response to a present or future need. No relationship happens in His Kingdom fortuitously. Friendships may come to provide caring support, speak holy truth, help us through challenging seasons, supply wisdom, or inspire us to stand strong in faith when we feel weak.

We are instructed and cautioned about who and who not to be friends with: “He who walks with wise men shall be wise; but a companion of fools shall be destroyed” (Pro.13:20). 1 Corinthians 15:33 warns “Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character” (NIV). The following are some attributes to prayerfully cherish in others and also manifest in ourselves:

A True Friend is who has our back, no matter what: “To him who is afflicted, kindness should be shown by his friend, even though he forsakes the fear of the Almighty" (Job 6:14, NIV). Friends watch out for us and protect us from danger. They will do all in their power to keep us safe; even put themselves in danger for our safety as Jonathan did for David (1 Sam.20:13).

True Friends are loyal in good and times: “A friend loves at ALL TIMES, and a brother is born for adversity” (Pro. 17:17). They are not seasonal ‘friends’ of convenience and comfort: “Wealth makes many friends, but the poor is separated from his friend...Many entreat the favor of the nobility, and every man is a friend to one who gives gifts. All the brothers of the poor hate him; how much more do his friends go far from him! He may pursue them with words, yet they abandon him” (Pro.19:4, 6-7). Friends respect the person and not the position or the title.

True friends speak truth into our lives, even when it is difficult to hear. They will tell us both the good and the bad; when they feel that we’re walking away from the Lord or if they feel that we’ve been walking closer with God. Friends also keep their words. However, they do not talk bad about us but defend us in our absence. Our friends get us through rough times, and always have the right words – of comfort, courage, hope and strength.

True Friendship is mutual: “A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother” (Pro.18:24). It is never one-sided. Friendship can sometimes be challenging and messy. It takes much commitment to keep worthwhile relationships vibrant and healthy. When we find ourselves taking such relationships for granted, we should look to God’s Word and be reminded about how important our friends are.

Friends pray for one another: “And the Lord restored Job’s losses when he prayed for his friends. Indeed the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before” (Job 42:10). We should regularly say a prayer or send a note of blessing or encouragement to our friends. The Lord Jesus Christ is our Model of Friendship – the Friend who gave His Life for His friends (Jh.15: 13-15). But we must reciprocate His Gesture of Friendship: “YOU are MY FRIENDS IF you do whatever I command you” (Jh.15:14).

Thank You for my friends, Lord Jesus; and for the ways they build me up and remind me of Your true and faithful Friendship.