A friend made me think about friends.

Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.
John 15:13

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
Proverbs 17:17

Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.
Proverbs 27:6


Jesus says a friend is one who will lay his life down for you, both literally and figuratively. That is commitment. Without God, man would not even be able to understand the concept of friendship. Friendship did not originate with man. It is a part of the very image of God and was made a part of our character when we were created in His image. God is the model of all true friendship.

A friend will show sacrificial love to you at all times. People often help each other, especially if it’s convenient. But true friendship sets the standard much higher. True friendship will always cost you something and will often be inconvenient. Such friendship is rare. This is friendship that gives without expecting anything in return.

A friend recognizes your weaknesses and will tell you about them in love. As Proverbs says, “The kisses of an enemy are profuse”. A friend that only praises you regardless of what you do is not your friend. A true friend will deliver faithful wounds. This is because a true friend loves Jesus even more than he loves you.