Proverbs 18:24
“A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
We really do need each other, and a true friend is one of the greatest possessions we can have. It is a sad and poor man who has no friends. Friends are different than companions. Companions may be close by, but are not sufficiently close that we can share our deepest feelings.
I have been blessed with a wealth of friends over the years. One of those friends is Chris Vosler. Chris and his wife, Pat, were members of the church I pastored in Burns, Oregon, almost forty years ago. When I resigned that pastorate, Chris gave me a plaque which I have looked at almost every day of my life since then. Here is what it says: “A friend is one who knows you as you are, understands where you’ve been, accepts who you’ve become, and still gently invites you to grow. Cecil, Thanks for being that friend. Chris”
There is one Friend who far exceeds all others. He is with us come rain or shine, good days or not so good days. Jesus Christ stays with us during the dark hours of the night. When we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, He is there beside us. When we receive devastating news, He is there to provide the comfort and solace to ease the pain. When we receive news that calls for rejoicing, He makes it even better for we have One who rejoices with us. At all times, and in every circumstance, our Dearest Friend makes our life worth living.
Having such a dear and precious Friend, He calls us to be the special friend to others. That will often mean getting out of our comfort zone and going the extra mile for someone else. Are you a TRUE FRIEND?
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil