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.
A Life Shaped by Faith and Tragedy
Joseph Medlicott Scriven, an Irish-born poet and hymnwriter, is best remembered for his timeless hymn, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.” His life was marked by profound personal tragedy that deeply influenced his faith and creative work. Born in 1819 in County Down, Ireland, Scriven grew up in a well-to-do family and received a solid education, eventually earning a degree from Trinity College Dublin. Despite his privileged beginnings, his life would take a series of heartbreaking turns.
Scriven’s first major tragedy struck when his fiancée tragically drowned the night before their wedding. Overwhelmed by grief, he sought solace in his faith and decided to leave Ireland, emigrating to Canada in search of a fresh start. However, his trials were far from over. While living in Canada, Scriven fell in love again and became engaged, only to lose his second fiancée to illness shortly before their wedding. These devastating losses left an indelible mark on his soul, shaping his deep reliance on God for comfort and strength.
The Creation of a Timeless Hymn
Amid his sorrow, Scriven dedicated his life to helping others, often giving away his possessions and assisting those in need. During this period of selflessness and reflection, he wrote, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.” Originally a poem titled “Pray Without Ceasing,” written to comfort his mother during illness, the hymn reflects Scriven’s unwavering faith and his ability to transform personal grief into a message of hope and solace. Today, his hymn continues to inspire millions, serving as a reminder of the enduring friendship and support found in the Lord Jesus Christ, even in life’s darkest moments.
What Is a Friend?
A friend is someone with whom you share a deep connection marked by mutual affection, trust, and understanding. Genuine friendships are built on respect, empathy, and sincere concern for each other’s well-being. These relationships provide emotional support, companionship, and a profound sense of belonging.
Characteristics of True Friendship
- Trust: Friends are reliable and can be counted on to keep confidences and offer support in times of need.
- Mutual Understanding: True friends share similar values, interests, and experiences, fostering open, honest communication.
- Empathy: Friends are sensitive to each other’s feelings, offering comfort and advice when needed.
- Support: They provide encouragement and assistance during both joyful and challenging times.
- Acceptance: Friends receive one another unconditionally without judgment, accepting each other’s differences and imperfections.
- Reciprocity: Healthy friendships involve a balanced give-and-take dynamic.
- Laughter and Enjoyment: Friends create positive memories through shared activities and moments of joy.
- Communication: Open dialogue is essential for maintaining a strong friendship and resolving conflicts constructively
- Respect: Friends honor each other’s boundaries, opinions, and individuality.
- Forgiveness: Through patience and kindness, friends forgive one another rather than holding grudges and fostering disdain.
REFLECT & PRAY
Proverbs 18:24: “There are ‘friends’ who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.”
John 15:13: “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
Father, You have chosen me as Your friend. How amazing You are 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 as the Ultimate Friend
The Father is loving and kind, the perfect example of a true friend. Friendship begins with Him. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit interact in perfect harmony and love. God’s heart reaches out in friendship to the world, offering a relationship unparalleled in depth and intimacy.
Through the Lord Jesus Christ, all children of the King have received an extraordinary gift: friendship with the living God, the Creator of the universe, the Lord of lords, and the King of kings. He is truly our Best Friend Forever.
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.”
Friendship with God: A Privilege Beyond Measure
In the Old Testament, being called a “Servant of the Lord” was a significant honor, reserved for prophets and those chosen by God.
Jeremiah 35:15 highlights this role: “Time after time I sent you prophets, who told you, ‘Turn from your wicked ways, and start doing things right.’”
Moses provides a unique insight into his one-of-a-kind relationship with God in Exodus 33:11: “The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend.”
Moses experienced a unique closeness with God; they communicated as friends, face to face. In the Old Testament, while others had direct communication with the Father, only Moses had the privilege of speaking with Him in this manner. However, with the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ into the world, every child of the King is invited to have a deep, personal friendship with God. In some mysterious, remarkable way, God has extended through the Lord Jesus Christ a gracious invitation, saying, “Let’s be friends.”
The Nature of True Friendship
Friendship with God mirrors the qualities of a true earthly friendship, but on a much greater scale.
- Faithful Love
Proverbs 17:17: “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”
A true friend remains steadfast, offering unwavering loyalty, especially during times of hardship. The Hebrew word rea, translated as “friend,” encompasses meanings such as “companion, comrade, and darling.” Unlike siblings, who are often guided by familial bonds and a desire to protect your feelings, good friends offer the honest counsel you truly need. While family may soften their words to spare you discomfort, a true friend values honesty over ease, offering candid truth that helps you grow.
- Honest Counsel
Proverbs 27:6: “Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy.”
A genuine friend speaks the truth in love, even when it is difficult to hear. Their honesty stems from loyalty and a desire for your well-being, in sharp contrast to the insincere flattery of an enemy.
- Heartfelt Advice
Proverbs 27:9: “The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense.”
The advice of a true friend is both comforting and uplifting, like a soothing fragrance that brings peace and clarity.
Friendship with Jesus
The Lord Jesus Christ explicitly revealed the profound truth of our friendship with Him.
John 15:15: “I no longer call you slaves . . . Now you are my friends.”
This friendship offers a deep connection with Jesus, characterized by unconditional love, wisdom, guidance, and hope. As we draw closer to Him, we experience the fullness of His friendship, which surpasses all human relationships.
This timeless hymn beautifully captures the essence of our friendship with Jesus:
The Hymn: “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!”
Through trials, temptations, and burdens, Jesus remains our faithful friend, offering solace, strength, and refuge. His arms are always open, ready to shield and comfort us.
The Ultimate Friendship
A friendship with God is the highest and most profound relationship one can experience, marked by unconditional love, divine wisdom, and unwavering support. Through the redemptive work of the Lord Jesus Christ, we are graciously invited into a sacred bond with the Creator of the universe, a connection that transcends human comprehension. This friendship is not only eternal but also deeply transformative, offering a wellspring of strength, comfort, and purpose. It reshapes our understanding of companionship, providing enduring guidance and an intimate connection that enriches every aspect of life.
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© Dr. H 2026
Dr H Reflections 