Proverbs 17:17
A friend loves at all times,
And a brother is born for adversity.
How interesting a proverb, yet how it strikes deeply the chords of our hearts as we desire for a friend who not only provides companionship, but loves so much that he/she would be there with us in times of our adversities.
As I reflect at this truth, I'm inspired by the nobility of friendship that is born out of Love.
Love which is patient, kind, does not envy, does not boast, is not proud, is not rude, is not self-seeking, is not easily angered, keeps no record of wrongs, does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Above all, the bible says Love never fails. (1 Corinthians 13)
The bible records one of the most admirable friendships between Jonathan and David who loved each other selflessly (as much as they loved themselves) in 1 Samuel 20. They were confidantes, overseer of each other and great buddies in one spirit.
1 Samuel 20 records:
"And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself." (1 Samuel 18:3) "And Jonathan had David reaffirm his oath out of love for him, because he loved him as he loved himself."(1 Samuel 20:17 )
Jonathan loved David so much that he sheltered his friend against the threat of angering his despotic, crazed father who wanted to killed David. During this tough time of persecution by King Saul, Jonathan protected David from his father envious range to kill David. So sincere and selfless was this friendship that Jonathan did not even consider the option of establishing his own kingship by getting rid of David.
Lest we point out that the noble friendship of David and Jonathan was a 1 off extinct example. Similarly, the New testiment records the loyal friendship and supportive companionship Paul had with Barnabas. The early church also narrates accounts of Godly sincerity and ability of the church of Macedonia that "out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity." (2 Corinthians 8:1-4)
Today's modern life has robbed us of experiencing such intense friendship, where we can say to a friend "I was born for your adversity". Truely, the perverseness of our times results in people mockingly throw accusations of "unnatural love", "how gay", "how gross".... Yet, I know, hidden under this grotesque lie of the world and the facade we build up, each of us long to have a true friend, like a Jonathan to David, that would love at all times, and to be there as a brother when we encounter the adversities of life.
I do believe that through the love of Jesus Christ, the church of God is to be established differently from the world. If the Church of God today arises in Godly brotherhood love, I believe the suffering, poor in spirit, hurting, emotionally starved and spiritually blinded of the world would be drawn to the Love of God shown through us.
It's not just about fun, laughter, toils and tears. But through God's love, we may desire to build each other up, to show genuine concern, passionately oversee our friend's wellbeing and be a living, loving shadow that would love through and through.
In these self-centred days that we dwell in, I challenge you to self-reflect, arise to offer yourself to be such a friend as mentioned in Proverbs 17. It's not about I, Me or Myself and who is the one God will send to be my true friend, but who would you selflessly be a friend and brother to.
May the Lord direct you to someone whom you would grow to be a true friend, that you will pledge to love at all times and be a brother in times of their adversity.
Blessings,
M.
"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends"(John 15:13 )
30 June 2006
Godly Brotherhood
Proverbs 17:17
A friend loves at all times,
And a brother is born for adversity.
How interesting a proverb, yet how it strikes deeply the chords of our hearts as we desire for a friend who not only provides companionship, but loves so much that he/she would be there with us in times of our adversities.
As I reflect at this truth, I'm inspired by the nobility of friendship that is born out of Love.
Love which is patient, kind, does not envy, does not boast, is not proud, is not rude, is not self-seeking, is not easily angered, keeps no record of wrongs, does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Above all, the bible says Love never fails. (1 Corinthians 13)
The bible records one of the most admirable friendships between Jonathan and David who loved each other selflessly (as much as they loved themselves) in 1 Samuel 20. They were confidantes, overseer of each other and great buddies in one spirit.
1 Samuel 20 records:
"And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself." (1 Samuel 18:3) "And Jonathan had David reaffirm his oath out of love for him, because he loved him as he loved himself."(1 Samuel 20:17 )
Jonathan loved David so much that he sheltered his friend against the threat of angering his despotic, crazed father who wanted to killed David. During this tough time of persecution by King Saul, Jonathan protected David from his father envious range to kill David. So sincere and selfless was this friendship that Jonathan did not even consider the option of establishing his own kingship by getting rid of David.
Lest we point out that the noble friendship of David and Jonathan was a 1 off extinct example. Similarly, the New testiment records the loyal friendship and supportive companionship Paul had with Barnabas. The early church also narrates accounts of Godly sincerity and ability of the church of Macedonia that "out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity." (2 Corinthians 8:1-4)
Today's modern life has robbed us of experiencing such intense friendship, where we can say to a friend "I was born for your adversity". Truely, the perverseness of our times results in people mockingly throw accusations of "unnatural love", "how gay", "how gross".... Yet, I know, hidden under this grotesque lie of the world and the facade we build up, each of us long to have a true friend, like a Jonathan to David, that would love at all times, and to be there as a brother when we encounter the adversities of life.
I do believe that through the love of Jesus Christ, the church of God is to be established differently from the world. If the Church of God today arises in Godly brotherhood love, I believe the suffering, poor in spirit, hurting, emotionally starved and spiritually blinded of the world would be drawn to the Love of God shown through us.
It's not just about fun, laughter, toils and tears. But through God's love, we may desire to build each other up, to show genuine concern, passionately oversee our friend's wellbeing and be a living, loving shadow that would love through and through.
In these self-centred days that we dwell in, I challenge you to self-reflect, arise to offer yourself to be such a friend as mentioned in Proverbs 17. It's not about I, Me or Myself and who is the one God will send to be my true friend, but who would you selflessly be a friend and brother to.
May the Lord direct you to someone whom you would grow to be a true friend, that you will pledge to love at all times and be a brother in times of their adversity.
Blessings,
M.
"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends"(John 15:13 )
A friend loves at all times,
And a brother is born for adversity.
How interesting a proverb, yet how it strikes deeply the chords of our hearts as we desire for a friend who not only provides companionship, but loves so much that he/she would be there with us in times of our adversities.
As I reflect at this truth, I'm inspired by the nobility of friendship that is born out of Love.
Love which is patient, kind, does not envy, does not boast, is not proud, is not rude, is not self-seeking, is not easily angered, keeps no record of wrongs, does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Above all, the bible says Love never fails. (1 Corinthians 13)
The bible records one of the most admirable friendships between Jonathan and David who loved each other selflessly (as much as they loved themselves) in 1 Samuel 20. They were confidantes, overseer of each other and great buddies in one spirit.
1 Samuel 20 records:
"And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself." (1 Samuel 18:3) "And Jonathan had David reaffirm his oath out of love for him, because he loved him as he loved himself."(1 Samuel 20:17 )
Jonathan loved David so much that he sheltered his friend against the threat of angering his despotic, crazed father who wanted to killed David. During this tough time of persecution by King Saul, Jonathan protected David from his father envious range to kill David. So sincere and selfless was this friendship that Jonathan did not even consider the option of establishing his own kingship by getting rid of David.
Lest we point out that the noble friendship of David and Jonathan was a 1 off extinct example. Similarly, the New testiment records the loyal friendship and supportive companionship Paul had with Barnabas. The early church also narrates accounts of Godly sincerity and ability of the church of Macedonia that "out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity." (2 Corinthians 8:1-4)
Today's modern life has robbed us of experiencing such intense friendship, where we can say to a friend "I was born for your adversity". Truely, the perverseness of our times results in people mockingly throw accusations of "unnatural love", "how gay", "how gross".... Yet, I know, hidden under this grotesque lie of the world and the facade we build up, each of us long to have a true friend, like a Jonathan to David, that would love at all times, and to be there as a brother when we encounter the adversities of life.
I do believe that through the love of Jesus Christ, the church of God is to be established differently from the world. If the Church of God today arises in Godly brotherhood love, I believe the suffering, poor in spirit, hurting, emotionally starved and spiritually blinded of the world would be drawn to the Love of God shown through us.
It's not just about fun, laughter, toils and tears. But through God's love, we may desire to build each other up, to show genuine concern, passionately oversee our friend's wellbeing and be a living, loving shadow that would love through and through.
In these self-centred days that we dwell in, I challenge you to self-reflect, arise to offer yourself to be such a friend as mentioned in Proverbs 17. It's not about I, Me or Myself and who is the one God will send to be my true friend, but who would you selflessly be a friend and brother to.
May the Lord direct you to someone whom you would grow to be a true friend, that you will pledge to love at all times and be a brother in times of their adversity.
Blessings,
M.
"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends"(John 15:13 )
