Today’s reading: Amos 4-6, Psalm 55, Matthew 14
If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it; if a foe were rising against me, I could hide. But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend, with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship at the house of God, as we walked about among the worshipers (Psalm 55:12-14).
Have you ever been betrayed by a friend? There isn’t much that hurts more than being hurt by someone you trusted, someone with whom you had shared your soul, or someone you thought had your back. See, true friends stick by you in times of trouble. If they are not in your corner when things get hard, they probably weren’t really your friend in the first place.
The Bible says a few things about being a true friend:
A true friend shows love, no matter what (Proverbs 17:17).
A true friend gives heartfelt advice, bringing joy to the heart (Proverbs 27:9).
A true friend rebukes when necessary, but the correction is done in love (Proverbs 27:4-6).
A true friend influences, enlivens, and sharpens (Proverbs 27:17)
A true friend avoid gossip (Proverbs 16:28).
A true friend forgives and does not hold grudges (Proverbs 17:9).
A true friend is loyal (Proverbs 18:24).
A true friend helps in time of need (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12).
What kind of friend are you?