We need to be wise in whom we befriend.

Prov. 18:24 There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.

Everybody has “friends”, people who they have fellowship with to some degree. Some friends are better than others. Some so-called friends are self-serving. They are friendly and kind as long as it benefits them in some way or another. When it ceases to be good for them, they are gone. Some “friends” will turn on you when they feel they have been wronged in some way. Some get downright mean.  Some are there for you as long as it benefits them in some way.

We need to be wise in whom we befriend. The better we get to know those whom we allow to get close to us, the more we can count on them to be with us as we travel through the rough times of life. A real friend knows us well enough to believe in us and trust us when others forsake us. A real friend cares about what we are facing and comes alongside of us to support and help us. A real friend stands strong on our behalf. A real friend doesn’t go away, even when we may deserve it. A real friend is one who will lovingly help us when we need correction and discipline. A real friend cares about us and will not let us self-destruct without guidance and warning.  A real friend can be trusted when the heart is opened up and confidences are shared to not blab them to others. 

I have known “friends” and I have real friends. Think about those whom you call friends. Thank the Lord today for those who are real friends. Cherish dearly and nurture those friendships, for they will keep you steady in the storms of life.

Are you a “friend” or a real friend? Can you be trusted to be loyal and supportive of others? Do you embrace or judge others? Do you have compassion for others who are hurting and can you hold in confidence what they may share with you?  I challenge you today to let the Lord make you into a real friend. Let Him change whatever needs to be changed in you so that it can be said of you that you are a true-blue friend.  There are people you know who need to know that you can be counted on to be a dependable friend. 

God expects nothing less out of you than that you be a person of integrity who is a real friend.  He has placed you in the lives of others to be His voice to their hearts.  Don’t let the Lord or your friend down.  Be the kind of a person that others will be proud to call you a friend.