Day 7 — A Friend Loves at All Times

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”

— Proverbs 17:17 (BSB)

Have you ever had a friend who was really fun to be around when things were going well, but disappeared when things got hard? Maybe when you got in trouble, or when you were sad, or when someone else became more popular, they didn’t want to be around you anymore.

People sometimes call those “fair-weather friends.” They’re around when the weather is sunny, but when a storm comes, they’re gone.

Proverbs describes a different kind of friend: “A friend loves at all times.” Not just when it’s easy. Not just when you’re fun. All the time.

The second part of the verse says “a brother is born for adversity.” Adversity means hard times. A true friend is like a brother or sister who shows up when life gets hard. That’s when you find out who your real friends are.

What does a true friend look like?

• They stick with you when you’re going through something hard.
• They tell you the truth, even when it’s hard to hear.
• They don’t talk about you behind your back.
• They’re happy when good things happen to you.
• They forgive you when you mess up.
• They help you follow God, not pull you away from Him.

Now, here’s the important part: instead of only asking, Do I have friends like that? ask, Am I a friend like that? You can’t control whether other people are good friends. But you can choose to be one.

And here’s the best news of all: you have a friend who loves at all times, perfectly. Jesus told His disciples that He didn’t call them servants anymore. He called them friends (John 15:15). He never leaves when things get hard. He never talks about you behind your back. He never stops loving you. He even laid down His life for you. Jesus is the best friend anyone could ever have.

And when you know Jesus is your friend, you can be that kind of friend to others.

Think about it: Who is a friend who has loved you “at all times”? Are you that kind of friend to others?

Try this: Think of a friend who is going through something hard right now. Send them a note, call them or sit with them today.

Dear Jesus, thank You for being the friend who loves me at all times. Help me be that kind of friend to others: loyal, honest, kind and there for them when things are hard. Thank You for the good friends You’ve given me. In Your name, Amen.