Constant Friend

"A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity."

Proverbs 17:17

True friends give unconditional love. This is how Christ loves us, and He is our model for friendship. We most reflect His love when we remain a constant friend. I am reminded of Job's "friends", who were judgmental and failed to show compassion to him at the lowest point of his life. Surely it must grieve the Lord when His children fail to sympathize with a friend in despair. "Compassion is a debt owing to those that are in affliction. The least which those that are at ease can do for those that are pained and in anguish is to pity them,--to manifest the sincerity of a tender concern for them, and to sympathize with them,--to take cognizance of their case, enquire into their grievances, hear their complaints, and mingle their tears with theirs,--to comfort them, and to do all they can to help and relieve them: this well becomes the members of the same body, who should feel for the grievances of their fellow-members, not knowing how soon the same may be their own." (Matthew Henry)

The Encouragement of a Friend

"Now David became aware that Saul had come out to seek his life while David was in the wilderness of Ziph at Horesh. And Jonathan, Saul’s son, 

arose and went to David at Horesh, and encouraged him in God."

^{1 Samuel 23:15-16}

During what was the lowest point of David's life, when Saul was determined to kill him, Jonathan went to David to "encourage him in God". Jonathan pointed David to the Lord. He reminded David of God's promises and faithfulness. That's what friends do for their friend who is in distress. They encourage him to place his confidence in God, not in himself. Jonathan's encouragement was especially significant because he had the most to lose if David lived. God had promised David that he would be king, which meant that Jonathan who was next in line to replace his father Saul as king would lose out. "As a pious friend, [Jonathan] directed him to God, the foundation of his confidence and the fountain of his comfort: He strengthened his hand in God. David, though a strong believer, needed the help of his friends for the perfecting of what was lacking in his faith; and herein Jonathan was helpful to him, by reminding him of the promise of God, the holy oil wherewith he was anointed, the presence of God with him hitherto, and the many experiences he had had of God's goodness to him. Thus he strengthened his hands for action, by encouraging his heart, not in the creature, but in God. Jonathan was not in a capacity of doing any thing to strengthen him, but he assured him God would." (Matthew Henry) 

Faithful Wounds

"Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But deceitful are the kisses of an enemy."

Proverbs 27:6

It takes courage to confront someone who's behaving in a way that is contrary to God's word, but if we love them we will prayerfully and lovingly correct them. I'm thankful for the friends who have spoken truth into my life, even though their words may have initially wounded my spirit. The flattering words of an enemy may make us feel good about ourselves, but they do nothing to improve our character.