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 and 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 time of trial, challenged me when I erred and stood with me in faith.  They have opened their hearts, hands, homes, and treasures to me and considered what was theirs mine as the need presented itself and I to 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.

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!