Parker Inspirations

My favorite verse on friendship is Proverbs 17:17, “A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” We are not lovely all the time, however a friend loveth at all times. In the good times or the bad times. When we are on the mountain or in the valley. A true friend not only tells you they are praying for you, but they also pray. A true friend will give you a smile, or a light touch on the shoulder just to let you know they are there for you. They remember important times in your life. Whether it is the birth of a child or the home going of a loved one.

Friendship is talked about in the Bible. The words friend, friends, friendly or friendship are mentioned 66 times in the Old Testament and 33 times in the New Testament. Each scripture tells how a friend can influence us or encourage us. Being a friend is a very powerful thing. Both bad and good. If we are striving to be a true friend based on Biblical principles, we will influence others for good. In James 5:16 it does not use the word friend, but the principle is there. “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” Praying one for another.

Just recently I had a friend who not only listened but prayed with me. She did not say I will be praying for you and that was the end. Before we said goodbye, we prayed. That is what God has called us to do. Put it into action and do what we say. I have had many of opportunities that I prayed and some that I did not. We should take every opportunity to leave the conversation at the throne of God. If we make it a practice to pray for one another before we say goodbye, we will be more mindful of our conversations as well. Let me insert here I am talking about deep conversations that matter, not short FYI calls.

To be the right kind of friend we must follow the principles given to us through the Bible. Proverbs 18:24, “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.”