Closer Than a Brother

For Thursday, July 27, 2006
Proverbs 18:24

A man of many companions may come to ruin,
but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

It is not the number but the depth of relationships that matter. It is good to have many companions. We are meant to be social creatures, and we should seek and enjoy the acquaintance of many people. And yet, what will sustain through the trials of life and enrich our happiness is deep, meaningful friendship. (Such friendship, by the way, ought to take place within a marriage, and spouses should be striving towards such.)

Such friendship arises both out of active and passive experience. You ought to desire and seek close friends. Many of us are reluctant to do so for various reasons, mostly out of timidity and fear of becoming vulnerable. Even so, deep friendship cannot be simply made. You cannot pick out a person and determine to become a close friend. There must be a connection that is also natural, a connection that creates attraction. That connection may be a common interest or a common personality trait that causes you to enjoy one another's company.

Once that friendship is formed, then it is a great blessing. For it is good to have a friend who sticks closer than a brother, who can understand and tolerate your moods and failings; who will encourage you when you are down and reprimand you when you are at fault.

But always remember the One who calls you his friend and is not ashamed to be known as your brother. No human friendship is guaranteed to last. We can offend both brother (and sister) and friend, and they can offend us. There is the one friend, Jesus Christ, who has already demonstrated a steadfast love that will never die. Keep up your relationship with him today; he is already sticking closer than a brother.