Bible Thoughts

June 30, 2002

Have you ever met a person who considered himself a friend to everyone, regardless of who the person was or how the individual behaved? There is a difference in a casual friend and a devoted one. We make many casual friends, but choose our close friends on the basis of their behavior and similarity to one's personal interests and ideals. When choosing friends, choose wisely, especially while one is young. The writer points out that a true friend "sticks closer than a brother." Such a friend will help you, guide you, criticize you, encourage you, and stand by you when you need help. Cultivate proper friends while learning to discern between those who will be true and those who will not.

"Many will seek the favor of a generous man, And every man is a friend to him who gives gifts"(Proverbs 19:6).

Is it not amazing how people will flock to a person whom they think will give them something for free? Perhaps, at times, all of us have been guilty of such thinking. Who does not want to be a friend of someone who gives gifts? In fact, friends do give gifts as well as exchanging gifts. However, do not be trapped into making one a close friend just because they are liberal to you with their gifts. Seek one whom you can help and someone who will help you: that is a true friend. The gift(s) will come later.

"A perverse man spreads strife, And a slanderer separates intimate friends"(Proverbs 16:28).

It is unfortunate that people do not always use their words to spread truth, encouragement, and happiness. Some use their tongues to create strife and dissension. They can be easily identified as they stir up trouble among those who are trying to please God. Sometimes their misbehavior in speech will cause close friends to fall out with each other. Do not listen to those who would run down others and make disparaging remarks about disciples of Christ. If one is prone to listen to slander and believe such, a falling out among close friends can occur. Challenge the one who would spread such trash, refusing to believe what is said until such is proven. If it cannot be proven, rebuke the slanderer.

"But Ammnon had a friend whose name was Jonadab, the son of Shimeah, David's brother, and Jonadab was a very shrewd man"(II Samuel 13:3).

The wrong kind of friends can get you in more trouble than you can devise yourself. Jonadab was not the kind of friend that one needs when a problem exists. Ammnon was infatuated with his sister, Tamar. Ammnon did not possess a strong character and when he told Jonadab about his desires, this schemer revealed how Ammnon could satisfy his evil desires. Using the plan that Jonadab devised, he violated his sister. You do not need to seek friends that will assist you in committing sin. Choose righteous friends that will encourage you to stay pure in God's sight. The wrong friends, whether they be religious or immoral, can cost you your soul!

"Even my close friend in whom I trusted, Who ate my bread, Has lifted up his heel against me"(Psalm 41:9).

Judas was the culprit that this passage identifies. Judas had talked with the Lord, walked with the Lord, learned from the Lord, ate with the Lord, and--then--betrayed the Master with a kiss. His name lives in infamy. In his remorse, he went out and hanged himself. How heartbreaking it is to have one who has been close to you to betray you or hurt you. What you expect of an enemy, you do not expect of a friend. It is better to work out a problem with a friend than to betray him.

"And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!' "(Luke 15:6).

Friends are those you want to rejoice with when good things come your way. This man had lost his sheep. He found the lost animal and gathered his friends to be happy and "rejoice" with him. This man wanted those about him who could empathize with him and share his gladness. He would share his good fortune with those who were his friends. When something good comes your way, you want to share it with those whom you care about and love. What better friends to share the good things that happen to you than with those who are brethren and sisters in Christ?

"Greater love hath no man than this that one lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you"(John 15:13-14).

The greatest love that could have been shown to mankind was the death of Jesus Christ on the cross. He who had no sin was willing to suffer for each one of us and for every person who ever lived. Through his sacrifice, every soul can accept His will and follow him. The love of Christ was extended; it is up to each person to claim the benefits of His death. Would you note: the Lord considers you and I his friend "if you do what I command you." We know what kind of friend Jesus was to us: what kind of friend are you to Him?

A Bible Fact from the past

A conflict exists between the pursuit of righteousness and the pursuit of evil. This conflict in each individual is won or lost on the basis of the attitude of the person. Giving over to the flesh will permit evil to conquer. Following the word of God, living a spiritual life, will make one good in the Lord's sight.

The problem of good and evil is not new. When Adam and Eve were placed in the garden of Eden, they faced the same dilemma. Those familiar with the Bible know how the tempter led them into transgression. The results of their sin continues to the present day.

When David lusted after Bathsheba, not only committing adultery, but having her husband killed as well, sin prevailed. While David besought and obtained the forgiveness of God, the consequences of sin tormented his family in years to come. Judas permitted himself to be used by Satan in the betrayal of Christ. The remorse he felt for his act caused him to hang himself. How different was the apostle Peter, who, when he came to himself, wept bitterly as he approached God for forgiveness of his sin. One permitted evil to destroy him, the other permitted good to overrule the evil.

Whether evil or good rules your life is dependent upon your attitude toward the word of God.