INTRODUCTION

Unfortunately, true lasting friendships seem increasingly difficult to cultivate and nurture in today's fast paced world. Yet, the interactions associated to true friendships remain important and healthy. There are many traits that define true friendships. Today's passage points out one of the primary features that constitute a true friend: “A friend loveth at all times.” This love is not to be confused with being dishonest in hopes of protecting the feelings of a friend. In fact, a true friend will offer a needed rebuke. This is why the Bible says, “faithful are the wounds of a friend” (Proverbs 27:6Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
See All...). True friends never allow current circumstances to determine the level of commitment to a relationship. A true friend will remain faithful when all others have betrayed or departed. This test of friendship has been the proving ground for many friends throughout the history of mankind. One need look no further than the prodigal son for evidence of such (Luke 15:11-24 [11] And he said, A certain man had two sons: [12] And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. [13] And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living. [14] And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. [15] And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. [16] And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him. [17] And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! [18] I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, [19] And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. [20] And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. [21] And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. [22] But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: [23] And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: [24] For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.
See All...).

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): Imagine that you are playing with a puzzle and another child wants to help finish it with you. You say, "No, it's mine!" Your teacher tells you to be kind and share. That teacher is acting like a true friend. She cares enough about you to show you the way the Lord would want you to play.
• (For everyone): Do you know a friend that “loveth at all times”? Is there someone in your life that loves you unconditionally? If you are saved, the Lord is that kind of friend to you.
• While thinking on friendship, examine the friendship you offer to others. Are you the kind of friend that loves at all times? Do you love others enough to offer a faithful rebuke when it is necessary? Are you a true friend?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask the Lord to give you some true friends in this life.
• Ask God to help you to be the kind of friend He would want you to be.

HYMN

 I’ve Found a Friend

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