August 28

Friends

Families say they love us because the “have to.” Friends love us because they “choose to.”


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

Blood may naturally bind us and brothers may be “born for adversity” but unfortunately family is not always faithful to love us. A friend, on the other hand, becomes a friend by decision. One chooses one’s friends not because of feelings alone but by evaluating whether or not that friend is of like mind, walking in the same direction and has the potential for loyalty. Thus we have something in friendships which surpasses blood relationships. Families say they love us because the “have to.” Friends love us because they “choose to.” Hopefully, we can make friends of our family members but friendship, after all, grows out of sharing values, faith, goals, experiences, and clarified commitments that families often do not share. First, seek to be a friend. Then, pray for guidance to find a friend.

Proverbs 17
18 A man lacking in judgment strikes hands. [1]
17 A friend in pledge and puts up security for his neighbor.

[1] This means to perform an act of solidarity without thought.