What a Friend
A real friend sticks closer than a brother. – Proverbs 18:24
John 15:15 I no longer call you slaves because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me.
Joseph Medlicott Scriven (1819-1886) was an Irish-born Canadian poet. He was educated at Trinity College in Dublin. He committed his life to serving the Lord through his Plymouth Brethren faith.
The Father began in earnest Scriven’s spiritual preparation. Part of his training was learning to overcome horrendous losses. He was engaged to be married. The night before the wedding, his fiancée accidentally drowned. A few years later, he fell in love again and was due to be married, but his second fiancée got pneumonia and died.
Scriven received news that his mother was very ill. The comfort her, he wrote a poem called “Pray Without Ceasing.” It was later set to music and renamed: “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.”
What is a Friend?
A friend is someone with whom you share a mutual bond of affection, understanding, and trust. Friends connect on a personal and often emotional level. Friendships are built on respect, empathy, and genuine care for each other’s well-being.
Friendships can be crucial to our emotional well-being, providing companionship, a support network, and a sense of belonging. Relationships require care, effort, and time. Key characteristics of a friend include:
Trust: Friends can be counted on to keep your confidence and support you in need. There’s a sense of reliability and dependability in a true friendship.
Mutual Understanding: Friends often share similar values, interests, and experiences. They understand each other’s perspectives and can communicate openly and honestly.
Empathy: Friends are sensitive to each other’s feelings and are willing to listen, provide comfort, and offer advice when needed.
Support: Friends provide encouragement and assistance in both good and bad times.
Acceptance: Friends accept each other for who they are without condemnation or judgment.
Reciprocity: Healthy friendships involve a give-and-take dynamic.
Laughter and Enjoyment: Friends often have fun together, sharing laughs, enjoying activities, and creating positive memories.
Communication: Open and effective communication is essential in maintaining a solid friendship. Thoughts and feelings are honestly shared, and conflicts are resolved constructively.
Respect: Friends respect each other’s boundaries, opinions, and differences. Respect is a cornerstone of any meaningful relationship.
Forgiveness: through acts of kindness, patience, and empathy, friends maintain closeness and intimacy. Friends forgive one another, thus avoiding grudges and negative emotions.
REFLECT & PRAY
What a friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry Everything to God in prayer!
Father you have chosen to be my friend, my BFF. My mind and heart can hardly take it in. Thank You for loving me and wanting me close to Your heart.
INSIGHT
The Father is loving and kind and makes an excellent friend. Friendship begins with Him. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit interact with one another in perfect love. The heart of God reaches out in friendship to the world.
All children of the King have received a tremendous gift because of the Lord Jesus Christ. We are now friends with the living God, the creator of the universe, the Lord of lords, and the King of Kings. He is truly our BFF!
John 15:15 I no longer call you slaves because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me.
In the Old Testament era, being called a “servant of the Lord.” That privilege did not belong to just anybody. The prophets were the Lord’s servants (Jeremiah 35:15). But to become a friend of God was an even higher honor.
Exodus 33:11 The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend.
Nobody else could get that close. Moses’ privilege was unparalleled.
Yet, because of the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, each child of the King has been drawn into a close friendship with God. He is saying to every child of the King, “Let’s be friends.” The Father has befriended us. We become part of His Forever Family.
What is it like to have God as your friend?
Proverbs 17:17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
A friend is always faithful, especially in times of disappointment, crisis, or misfortune. The hallmark of a true friend is unwavering loyalty. “The contrast is between casual friends on the one hand and a close friend on the other; it is a contrast between the appearance of friendship and real friendship” (Bland).
In Hebrew, the word translated as friend is rea. Reacan be translated as friend, neighbor, darling, comrade, or companion. A true friend is a companion whose love and affection surpass that of a sibling or a fair-weather friend who is supportive only when it is easy or convenient. A brother is stuck with you. But a friend chooses you.
Proverbs 27:6 Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy.
A real friend is also honest and straightforward. They confront and challenge out of love and concern. “The wounds (reproofs) of a friend are faithful (expressive of loyalty and solidarity) and are to be carefully distinguished from the profuse (possibly: deceptive) kisses of an enemy” (Miller).
Proverbs 27:9 The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense.
The Father has chosen to be friends with every child of the King. The Lord Jesus Christ was quite explicit when He revealed this incredible fact.
John 15:15 I no longer call you slaves . . .. Now you are my friends,
Being a friend of the Lord Jesus Christ provides a deep and profound connection with Him. As we draw close, know, and follow Him, the Lord Jesus Christ offers unconditional love, wisdom, guidance, confidence, and hope.
How are your friendships shaping up? Have you embraced the concept of the Lord Jesus Christ as your Best Friend Forever? Can you fathom the journey of cultivating and nurturing the profound, continuously growing friendship He has offered? Just envisage the sheer wonder of having the Lord Jesus Christ as your BFF. What could be more magnificent and delightful friendship than that?
What a friend we have in Jesus
What a friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry Everything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit, Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry Everything to God in prayer!
Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged. Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful, Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness; Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Are we weak and heavy-laden, Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee? Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield thee, Thou wilt find a solace there.
Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised Thou wilt all our burdens bear;
May we ever, Lord, be bringing All to Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright, unclouded, There will be no need for prayer
Rapture, praise, and endless worship Will be our sweet portion there.
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© Dr. H 2023
Dr H Reflections 