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

It is possible to be one without being the other but when the two are combined it is incredibly powerful!  A friend, who is truly a friend, loves at all times.  It did not say ‘agrees’ at all times but ‘loves’ at all times.  Love is not an emotional response but a reasoned choice!  It involves a commitment and there is a friendship that reaches the level of ‘covenant’, unlike what many call friendship. Some people see to view friendship as they do socks; to be changed regularly.

A brother is born for adversity!  A brother is there through thick and thin and NEVER runs from the difficult or even unpleasantness of trial, trauma, drama, or difficulty.  A brother is not a church cliché to identify someone who is a fellow member of a congregation or organization but someone who is joined in faith and heart.  A brother is family in a very real sense.

I have friends who are brothers/sisters and have stood with me in the fire of trial.  They have had my back in times of trouble, encouraged me in trial, challenged me in error, and stood with me in faith.  They have opened their heart, hand, home, and treasure to me and considered theirs mine as the need presented itself and I them.  It is a bond that is unshakable based on faith.  Truly a person with genuine friends is blessed and a person who has friends who are brothers doubly so.

As individuals, families, and nations we need FRIENDS and need to realize that on some level we are brothers in our creation and on a deeper level we can become brothers and form a bond that is unbreakable even in the face of severe adversity and/or disagreement.  May God be with you as you go through your day and may you be blessed with a host of friends who are brothers/sisters in the Lord!  Blessings!