“There is a Friend Who Sticks Closer Than a Brother”

I recently read that you are an average of the five people you spend the most time with--that’s personality, mannerisms, habits, etc. Four of the people I spend the most time with are under the age of twenty--so that must be why I don’t act my age! Hahaha!

On a serious note though, that statement made me think intently about the people I surround myself with and how important it is to choose the right ones.

No one wants to be alone. We all yearn for a friend--a good friend.

“One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Proverbs 18:24

I have many “friends”. I would consider the majority of my friends to be good people who would help me if I needed it. But one friend is different from all the others.

This one friend of mine is unique--she holds deeper love and compassion for me. Daily, she stops what she is doing and asks me how my day is going--none of my other friends do that. Weekly, she encourages me by cheering me on while I navigate big projects as well as my daily grind--none of my other friends do that. When she notices me struggling, she stops to offer me a helping hand, a listening ear, or a prayer--not all my friends do that.

My friend is a good listener--who wants to listen. She is a person I can share my heart with. I trust her with my cares, hopes, and dreams. While voicing my plans to her, she points out potential obstacles in my path and gives directions that could avoid them.

My friend and I have a lot in common, but she does not agree with everything I do or say--yet she still accepts me. When she sees my mistakes and weaknesses, she gently inspires growth and new direction. This friend is not like other friends--she is an answer to prayer. Guess that is why I call her “best” friend.

This friend has filled a void I did not know I had and taught me, by her example, how to be a better friend--a true friend to her and others. If everyone had a friend like this one, the world would be a better place.

I shared all of the above to tell you these two things:

1. If you do not have a friend like this in your life--pray for one! And while you are waiting for the delivery--be the friend you desire to those around you!

1. Jesus can be and wants to be this friend for you. You can share your daily struggles and burdens--He wants to hear them. He has written you encouragement and love letters in His Word--you can read them whenever you’d like. He is giving you gifts--if you look closely, you can find all of them!

This post is dedicated to my friend Julia. She’s a real gem!