Friends

https://odb.org/MY/2022/11/10/legacy-of-friends

Even if we are living in an isolated place deep in the jungle away from civilisation, we will in most likelihood still have a friend in the form of a pet cat or dog. But if there are nomadic or jungle living people near us like the Orang Asal, they will likely then be our friends. As human beings, we cannot avoid having friends no matter how insular or how an introvert we are. Friends come with life. In fact it’s a necessity in life.

Thus wounds from a friend can be trusted, while an enemy multiplies kisses (Proverbs 27:6), speaking that ultimately it is the sincerity of the heart that matters. Your enemy is the one who speaks with sweetness of honey but wishes evil and misfortune for you. As a believer, we may not believe such people exist but they do. A friend is thus someone who may correct not with sugar coated words, but in his heart wishes us progress, peace and happiness. A friend will be happy for us to see us succeed in life. No envy or malice, just pure and sincere joy and pride that someone we know has done well.

What’s interesting in today’s ODB message which I like to highlight is not only the importance of friends but the importance of being a friend. As we know the goodness of having friends, we must in turn be that true and sincere friend to our friends. Be someone our friends can trust and count on. Be a friend that will want to see the success and victory in our friends. Be that someone who will be a shoulder to cry on in times of sadness and disappointment. A comforter in times of grief. An encourager in times of failure. Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice (Proverbs 26:9). And thus it is “better a neighbour nearby than a relative far away” (Proverbs 26:10).

This morning remember to be that neighbour friend to our friends and speak with sincerity of heart wishing the best for our friends. Be a good friend that others may see the glory of God shining forth from within us.