MY TRUE FRIENDSpeaker: Dr. D.G.S. Dhinakaran Gist: God loves you at all times. Lord Jesus Christ is your true friend, Who loves you at all times. Proverbs 17:17 says, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”
When you are afflicted in your life, He is also afflicted. He carries you and loves you whenever you pass through trials. This is the greatness in being called His friend.
“In all their affliction He was afflicted, and the Angel of His Presence saved them; In His love and in His pity He redeemed them; And He bore them and carried them all the days of old.” (Isaiah 63:9)
Among the disciples, Jesus loved John a lot. He was leaning on the bosom of Jesus (John 13:23). When Jesus was nailed on the Cross, He looked at His mother, who was standing near the cross in tears and agony. On the other side, He saw His disciple, John (who used to rest leaning on His bosom) and His heart melted. He looked at John and said, “Dear friend, You can find love and rest on My mother’s bosom.” He did not forget His friend John even at the last moment.
Even in the garden of Gethsemane, when He was in agony, He asked Judas who came to betray Him, “Friend, why have you come?” (Matthew 26:50). In that situation also, Jesus loved him as a friend. A true friend will love at all times.
“A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” (Proverbs 18:24)
Once, I fell very sick and was in a critical condition. During this time, a couple who heard about my illness contacted me and said, “Brother, don’t worry about anything! Board a plane and come to America. You can undergo the treatment and stay in our house.” So, we boarded a plane and landed in their house. They took care of us very lovingly for six months. They were very happy when I recovered fully and was back to India. They gave us a very loving send off. This is the love that is more than a brother’s love.
In the Bible, we read about Lazarus who became very sick and it was informed to Jesus (John 11:3). Jesus loved him very much (John 11:5). When Jesus reached the place, He heard that Lazarus was dead. And when He saw Martha and Mary weeping and the Jews weeping, He was groaned in the spirit and was troubled. Jesus wept (John 11:35).
Dear friend, just remember that when you are afflicted, the Lord Jesus is also afflicted. He will say, “You are my friend. How will I forsake you?” He will never leave you nor forsake you.
Prayer:
Loving Lord Jesus,
You are my true friend, who loves me at all times. You will never leave me nor forsake me. Help me to remember You always in my life. When I am afflicted, I strongly believe that You are with me. May I make it a point to always give the first place to you in all that I do. Bless the works of my hands. Let the thoughts of my mind glorify Your name.
All glory, honour and praises belong to You alone.
Amen.
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