Reflections / Healthy Relationships / Friendship Without End
Reflections / Healthy Relationships / Friendship Without End
Photo by Stephanie Ironside
A friend loves at all times,
and a brother or sister is born for adversity.
- Solomon, Proverbs 17:17
Solomon’s proverb refers to a brother or sister who is there for you through the trials and tribulations of life. A true brother or sister loves you endlessly. Friendships nowadays seem to come and go, but God calls us to remain faithful even when it’s tough or when we disagree.
We are called to journey alongside friends like how you would with a brother or sister. Just like David and Jonathan did many centuries ago. Their relationship reminds me of a friendship I have with a close friend of mine. My friend has been there through the challenging times of my life, like when I shared my faith with my parents. Having a friend who can be there for you in the hard times ensures that you’re not alone and there is someone out there to support you.
Jonathan made friends with David even though David and Saul (Jonathan’s father) were enemies. Their relationship was so strong that no one could break it, and Jonathan even willingly gave David his right to be king.
A true friend loves unconditionally without expecting to be rewarded in return. We’re called to love one another as brothers and sisters in Christ the way Jonathan and David loved one another. Through our relationship with Christ we adopt many brothers and sisters through our shared DNA of knowing Jesus. This adopted family that God has blessed you with will be there for you in the most challenging times and the most joyful times. God desires for us to be in community with others, and to have people to support us as we journey through life.
Who needs your unconditional love right now? What friend can you thank for being there for you through thick and thin?