True Friends

We were discussing friends in our Youth study last night - true friends versus fake friends. We have all found ourselves surrounded by those whom we thought were our friends but, in the end, we found they were only fair weather friends.

I've heard it said that you can count your true friends on one hand. WOW! I have so many people that I consider true friends; it is certainly a sad commentary that my really true friends are less than I think. I really believe that I do have true friends that would be there no matter what. I pray that you do to.

So, how do we know if our friend is a true friend? Well, I am glad you asked...today's word is from the NIV found in Proverbs 17:17, which reads, "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity."

Our true friends are going to love us at all times. They may not always agree with us, they may not always approve of us, but they will always love us. Those fake friends, those fair weather friends are the ones that when the going gets tough, they get going. When you need them the most, those fake friends will leave you the fastest.

We truly need to pray and ask for GOD'S discernment when it comes to choosing our friends. The last thing we need is to be depending on someone's friendship and it not be there when it is needed most. I am not talking about extenuating circumstances preventing someone from being there; I am talking about a friend that is only a "friend" when things are good. Ask GOD to lead you to true friends; we all need them.

One final note...I always keep in mind that in order to have friends, we must, first, show ourselves friendly. Not only do I need true friends, I need to be a true friend. Pray that GOD will guide me, aid me, assist me and equip me to be the friend that I need to be. A true friend loves at all times. Be a true friend.

Be Blessed,
Mickey T