“A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” Proverbs 17:17
In a world filled with shifting relationships and conditional loyalty, the Word of God reminds us of what true friendship really is. We often call someone a “friend” without grasping the weight of that title. But God’s Word paints a higher, holier picture of friendship — one rooted in love, loyalty, and sacrifice.
A true friend, according to Proverbs 17:17, loves at all times — not only in times of joy and celebration but also in seasons of hardship and adversity. This kind of friendship is rare, yet it is what we are called to as followers of Christ.
Jesus set the ultimate example: “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” — John 15:13
Christ didn’t just speak about love — He demonstrated it, giving His life for us while we were still sinners. This is the model of friendship God calls us to emulate. Not a friendship of convenience, but one of commitment. Not a friendship based on what we can gain, but one that willingly gives, supports, and sacrifices.
In Romans 12:10, we are commanded to: “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another.”
This is not just for those within the church. As children of God, we are also called to extend this love to those outside the faith — even when they reject us. The love we show to the world can become the very reflection of Christ that draws hearts to Him. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” — Matthew 5:16
When we love unconditionally, serve selflessly, and remain present in times of adversity, we become living testimonies of God’s love. Our friendships become ministries. Our kindness becomes a sermon.
Let us then walk in this kind of friendship — not superficial or self-seeking, but deep, godly, and unwavering. Let every relationship we build mirror the heart of Christ. May we be the friend who loves at all times and the brother or sister who stands firm in the storm.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of true friendship and for showing us the purest form of love through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Teach us to be friends who love unconditionally, who stand firm in adversity, and who reflect Your grace and truth in every relationship. Help us to love not only those who are close to us, but also those who may not yet know You. May our actions draw others into Your light and truth.
Strengthen us to be loyal, kind, and sacrificial in our friendships — just as Christ was with us. Let our hearts be open to those who are hurting and in need of love. Make us vessels of Your love, peace, and encouragement wherever we go.
In Jesus’ name we pray,
Amen.
Related Bible Verses:
-
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
-
1 Thessalonians 5:11
-
Proverbs 27:17
-
Galatians 6:2
-
Luke 6:35
-
Romans 5:8
RELATED DEVOTIONAL
1 July, 2025
True friendship — a reflection of Christ
“A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” Proverbs 17:17
In a world filled with shifting relationships and conditional loyalty, the Word of God reminds us of what true friendship really is. We often call someone a “friend” without grasping the weight of that title. But God’s Word paints a higher, holier picture of friendship — one rooted in love, loyalty, and sacrifice.
A true friend, according to Proverbs 17:17, loves at all times — not only in times of joy and celebration but also in seasons of hardship and adversity. This kind of friendship is rare, yet it is what we are called to as followers of Christ.
Jesus set the ultimate example: “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” — John 15:13
Christ didn’t just speak about love — He demonstrated it, giving His life for us while we were still sinners. This is the model of friendship God calls us to emulate. Not a friendship of convenience, but one of commitment. Not a friendship based on what we can gain, but one that willingly gives, supports, and sacrifices.
In Romans 12:10, we are commanded to: “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another.”
This is not just for those within the church. As children of God, we are also called to extend this love to those outside the faith — even when they reject us. The love we show to the world can become the very reflection of Christ that draws hearts to Him. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” — Matthew 5:16
When we love unconditionally, serve selflessly, and remain present in times of adversity, we become living testimonies of God’s love. Our friendships become ministries. Our kindness becomes a sermon.
Let us then walk in this kind of friendship — not superficial or self-seeking, but deep, godly, and unwavering. Let every relationship we build mirror the heart of Christ. May we be the friend who loves at all times and the brother or sister who stands firm in the storm.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of true friendship and for showing us the purest form of love through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Teach us to be friends who love unconditionally, who stand firm in adversity, and who reflect Your grace and truth in every relationship. Help us to love not only those who are close to us, but also those who may not yet know You. May our actions draw others into Your light and truth.
Strengthen us to be loyal, kind, and sacrificial in our friendships — just as Christ was with us. Let our hearts be open to those who are hurting and in need of love. Make us vessels of Your love, peace, and encouragement wherever we go.
In Jesus’ name we pray,
Amen.
Related Bible Verses:
-
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
-
1 Thessalonians 5:11
-
Proverbs 27:17
-
Galatians 6:2
-
Luke 6:35
-
Romans 5:8
