Loyalty

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

Proverbs 17:17

 

How can I know who my friends really are? This question is often times perplexing but with time spent in reading God's word, He reveals to us the answer to this question. One test is discovering ones loyalty. This test comes when a true friend loves us through the very best and worst of times in our life. People's true colors are revealed when we find ourselves going through extremely difficult or painful circumstances and how they react and respond to us.

True friends can also wound us in painfully awful ways that in turn can be true blessings. A true friend is not afraid to tell us the hard truth even when they know it may hurt us. Because we can trust them and know that they are loyal, we are able to trust their honesty. We have to be weary of those in our lives that do not have the courage to confront us when we truly need it.

A gossip betrays a confidence, 
       but a trustworthy man keeps a secret.

Proverbs 11:13

A true friend is also trust worthy. We can speak to them in confidence and know that what we share of our lives is safe with them. Gossip, which is the sharing of rumors or information of an intimate and personal nature, will ultimately destroy friendships and will create much friction. We should surround ourselves with the wise. Those friends speak frugally and use their tongue to nourish and feed, not tear down. It is amazing how a simple word of encouragement and support can motivate a person to do the right thing and understand truth. Our tongue does not only affect our OWN life but can also change the life of those we choose to either bless or curse.

In the end, a true friend is there to comfort, encourage and speak truth when we need it and to love us where we are and offer us support through the hard times.