“…there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Proverbs 18:24b tells us. And that friend is the “…friend (that) loves at all times…” Proverbs 17:17A.
It is true that people need people. We need each other. “No man is an island” as the familiar quote states. This need, this truth, often becomes more evident when life becomes difficult, rather than when all seems to be going well. I am grateful for the friends who love me as they do, and encourage and uphold me particularly during difficult times.
The Bible also tells us in Proverbs 18:24a, that the prerequisite to having friends can often depend on us: “A man who has friends must himself be friendly.” Pretty logical advice, I’d say, especially since life experiences bring “down” times along with the “up” times, both of which are enhanced by friendships.
And of course, the Greatest of Friends is Jesus, who in John 15:15 not only tells of His love for us but also calls us His friends.
For a comforting, updated and prayerful rendition of an old, old hymn, listen to this YouTube video of What a Friend We Have in Jesus.
God's Word To Us 