Friends

“… there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother” (Pr 18:24).

Some people think friends are conveniences. If it is convenient for them they will be glad to embrace you, but if your actions (or inaction) start to cause any inconvenience, you will be put to one side. I personally find this type of friend inconvenient.

Others choose their friends by their convictions. Your character (or lack thereof) doesn't matter — it's your beliefs that count. I tend to respect more this type of people — up to a point. I respect their strong convictions, and their courage to make their convictions know (at least you know where they stand!). But I abhor their double standards. They are willing to condemn an “opponent” (with sadistic pleasure) for the smallest of faults, while defending a "brother" for greater sins. "Where's the glory in that?"

Last, but certainly not least, are those who choose their friends by their character. They are themselves people of character, and they prefer an honest “opponent” to a cheating “brother”. These are the ones you can count on — the ones who are willing to go against the status quo in their community for the sake of justice, equity, and truth. They might disagree with you, but they’ll respect your qualities. What more could you want from a friend?

If you have a friend that sticketh closer than a brother, count yourself blessed indeed. And if your earthly friends disappoint you, remember the words of our blessed Lord and Saviour: “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are My friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you” (John 15:13-14).