“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”
Proverbs 17:17
Friendship is one of the most beautiful gifts in our journey here on earth. It mediates our sorrows and doubles our joys. John records the precious words of Jesus when He tells His disciples that He no longer views them as servants but values them as friends. To be known and loved is a treasure. “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).
When my husband met well-known pastor and Bible teacher Dick Woodward, he immediately felt a kinship with him, but hesitated to ask Dick to fit him into his busy schedule. Dick warmly replied, “But I need a friend.” From that time on, a deep friendship grew. They could talk, laugh, and pray about anything together.
Friendships like this are small reflections of the greatest bond we know—that of our friendship with Jesus Christ. Our “Brother” was indeed born for adversity, as the proverb says. It was the adversity of our battle with sin that Jesus took on, conquering Satan and emerging victorious from the grave—all because of His immense love for us.
When my husband met well-known pastor and Bible teacher Dick Woodward, he immediately felt a kinship with him, but hesitated to ask Dick to fit him into his busy schedule. Dick warmly replied, “But I need a friend.” From that time on, a deep friendship grew. They could talk, laugh, and pray about anything together.
Friendships like this are small reflections of the greatest bond we know—that of our friendship with Jesus Christ. Our “Brother” was indeed born for adversity, as the proverb says. It was the adversity of our battle with sin that Jesus took on, conquering Satan and emerging victorious from the grave—all because of His immense love for us.
Scripture Focus
John 15:12-17
Insight
“What a friend we have in Jesus/ All our sins and griefs to bear!” (Joseph M. Scriven, 1855)
Bible In A Year
- 2 Kings 1-2
- Proverbs 11
- James 1-3
