A friend

Proverbs 18:24 sheds the light on what I perceive is a misused verse in the Bible. We say this verse for various occasions, but do we really use it? What does it mean to have a friend and to stick with that friend to the point that you sacrifice because of their sacrifice?

I have had many friends in my lifetime and I still count them all as my dear friends. However, when someone you care for as a friend is mistreated, you must take action, regardless of the consequences.

The reason we do not "stand" up for our brother/sister is because we are afraid of the consequences that will happen as a result. If we fail to stand with our brothers/sisters in their struggle, then I cannot see how we can say we are their friend.

I have lived in several states during my lifetime. I have served my country in the United States Navy and lived/stationed in 5 different locations with one of those locations being on a ship. I have ministered the Word of God since 1979 and I have pastored in three states. Through all of this experience, I have noticed that people say they are friends, but in reality, they are not Proverbs 18:24 friends. A true friend is someone that hurts when you hurt. They feel your pain and they support you when you go through your pain. There was a movie many years ago, North Dallas Forty, that starred Nick Nolte and Mac Davis. Mac Davis' character was good friends with Nick Nolte's character, but, when Nolte's character got in trouble, Mac Davis' character encouraged his friend not to bring him into the situation. He was a good friend until the problem came up. If you count yourself a friend to someone, then be a Proverbs 18:24 friend.

So, what does that mean? If a friend of yours loses a job because he did something wrong, then you still stand with him. You tell him the truth and you encourage him. However, if your friend loses his job for no right reason, then you stand with him and you encourage him and you then go one step further. You approached the situation and take a stand with him. You take that stand even if you have to lose your job or you have to quit your job. If you claim to be a Proverbs 18:24 friend, then be a true one. Christ was that friend to you my friends. He stood with you. He left his job for you when you lost your job. He wasn't afraid to tell your bosses the truth, even if he knew he would never be allowed to work there again.

I desire to be that friend!