What Are Friends For?
Growing up, one of the important things for kids is having friends. It is so important that often, we pick friends who are not really friends. As adults, some of us find ourselves in the same situation. When someone goes out of their way to do something for us, we say, “Thank you!” Their response may be, “What are friends for?”
What are friends for? You probably have some thoughts about that, but let’s dive into God’s Word and see what He has to say about friends.
The word friend is found 53 times in the Bible. Let’s start with Proverbs 17:17. A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. This verse tells us that true friendship shines in times of adversity, trials, and tragedy. When you and I go through tough times, those who stick with us and offer comfort are true friends. Proverbs 18:24 reads, A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but…there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. We see the but in this passage, causing us to examine it further. Another translation says, he who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but… there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
This reminds me of the story of King David and Jonathan, King Saul’s son. You can read about their friendship in I Samuel 18 and on. Jonathan gave up his position as next in line to the throne for his faith and love for David. He saw in David the heart of a king. After Jonathan’s death, David honored a promise made between the two of them and cared for Jonathan’s son.
What does God think about friendship? In II Chronicles 20:7, the author reveals that descendants of Abraham are called the friends of God. What does that mean? Abraham obeyed God as he was called out to a foreign land. Today, if anyone believes in the God of Abraham and His Son, Jesus, you are considered God’s friend! James, the brother of Jesus, reminds us of Abraham. 2:23, ‘and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, Abraham believed God and it was accounted to him for righteousness, and he was called the friend of God.’
In the New Testament, Jesus, in John 15:13, 14, gives us the true meaning of friendship. Greater love has no one than this than to lay down one’s life for his friends. You are my friends if you do whatever I command you. Human nature tends to rebel against the word command. We can look at the Greek meaning and derive from it the meaning of instruction, direction, and authority. God as our Creator, knows our frame and our need for instruction, direction, and to follow His authority in those commands. He offers us protection, provision, and a good outcome. He offers us His friendship.
In this quick overview of what friends are for, we see:
Friends - Love at all times, stick with us through adversity, are friendly themselves, give what is important for others, believe in God and His ways, and will obey God.
Now the opposite is true for what a friend is not. Think about that. How many friends do you have? Studies show that most people will go throughout life with 2-3 good friends. Today, let us focus on being that friend for someone else. I want to end by thanking my friends. You know who you are. I am blessed by you. You help me be a better me and a better friend.
Until next time, remember the heart of the matter is the matter of the heart.
Dr. Michele
