“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” (Proverbs 17:17)
One characteristic of strong friendship is loyalty. That is in short supply in our culture. Marriage vows are forgotten, Christian living is ditched, even sports teams are easily abandoned. The good news is there is “a faithful God who keeps His gracious covenant of loyalty to a thousand generations…” (Deuteronomy 7:9).
That faithful God abides in us, so we can be that loyal friend that:
NEVER BELIEVES THE WORST (I Corinthians 13:7) – “Love always protects”
NEVER DISCUSSES PRIVATE MATTERS (Proverbs 27:10) – “Do not forsake your friend”
NEVER EXPOSES WEAKNESSES (Proverbs 10:12) – “Love covers all wrong”
NEVER LENDS A SYMPATHETIC EAR TO HERESAY (Proverbs 16:28) – “gossip separates close friends”
NEVER BELITTLES OR ALLOWS OTHERS TO DISPARAGE (I Corinthians 13:5) – “loves does not dishonor others”
TELLS THE TRUTH – (Proverbs 27:6) – “wounds from a friend can be trusted”
Jesus is our model of loyalty. He does not condemn, but constrains us with love to receive forgiveness if we have sinned. He stands in our stead and makes intercession for us. He is our Defender and pleads our case.
He calls us His “friends” in John 15:15 and promises never to leave us. He leads us by His spirit and is preparing a place for us to be with Him.
He offers repentance and an abundant life. He loved us first, even when we were His enemy. He sacrificed His life to redeem us and became our sin so we could know Him personally. He is our truest and most loyal Savior.
“By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one for another” (John 13:35). The world NOTICES loyalty!
~ Vickie Richey
Christ Fellowship