“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” (Prov.17:17)
“No one demonstrates greater love than the one who lays down his life for his friends.” (Jn.15:13)
“Jesus, what a friend for sinners! Jesus! Lover of my soul.” John Wilbur Chapman
“What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!” Joseph Medicott Scriven
“He cheers my heart, my want supplies … O what a friend is Christ to me!” John Newton
Lord Jesus, whether we are enriched with the bullion of great friends or feel profoundly lonely in this season of life—you are “the friend who sticks closer than a brother” to us (Prov.18:24). Because you are so much more than a brother to us. You humbled yourself to make us your own—our sin bearing Savior, our righteousness giving Substitute, our love lavishing Bridegroom, our cosmos ruling King. Hallelujah and thank you.
There is no question about your commitment to love us well in every season of life, for you will never leave us or forsake us. There’s no ebbing or flowing with your compassion. There’s no peaking and waning of your delight in us. You are the most dynamic and active constant in our lives. What wondrous love is this, indeed?
Jesus, your lavish, constant affection for us should spell the end to all our pouting’s and pity-parties, and our whining’s and worry-fests. Forgive us for expecting our friends to be to us what only you can be to us. And forgive us for not stewarding our friendships and loving our friends as one of your greatest gifts to us.
Thank you for “bearing all our sins and griefs” and for “cheering our hearts and supplying our wants”—as great hymn writers remind us. In the upcoming weeks and months—renew and deepen our experience of friendship with you, Jesus. May your presence, kindness, and encouragement be inescapably real to us. Thank you Jesus, and So Very Amen.
