A friend loves at all times

By Jennifer V. Flores

The word of God is incredible. There is always so much truth and wisdom about life alone. There is always something to learn, something to grasp or change about your life after you allow the word to penetrate your heart. One of the verses that caught my attention this past month was Proverbs 17:17- “A friend loves at all times.” This verse is really beautiful because that’s essentially what Jesus Christ has done for us and continues to do, to love us always. He calls us friends. (John 15:15)

Love is constant between two friends who love each other. Regardless of differences, opinions, or even arguments, the love remains and doesn’t change. Let’s face it, we’re not all perfect and sometimes we ourselves need a little grace from someone else. By nature we are selfish and self-centered, but Jesus teaches us to love one another. To love in the hard times and good times, during trials and tribulations. What a beautiful sight to have a true friend that honors you and loves you with your flaws. Jesus wants you to have friends, He wants to bless you with people who will edify your walk with Christ and support you along the way. Iron sharpening iron, someone who will gently correct you when you are wrong, but yet not condemn you.

Jesus shows us that we must have love toward one another, compassion, patience, perseverance, grace and truth. Many times we’re so distracted and engulfed in our own little bubble, we forget to be a friend. Today I encourage you to step out of your comfort and offer your friendship to someone. Show yourself friendly.. just like Proverbs 18:24 says, “A man that has friends must show himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother.”

Friendship is like a plant, it requires cultivation in order for it to grow. That goes for both sides, both parties require effort to make the friendship last. And if perhaps your friendships have become distant for many possible reasons, remember to forgive, remember to extend friendship outside of your circle of people, remember to love unconditionally with no pretenses or false motives. Remember to seek the highest good in that person and focus on the positive, and remember to love. This is what Jesus wants from us, He wants us to learn from Him and in turn hopefully this brings you closer to God.