It's a rough life; we're in the middle of a war; it's storming outside. A faithful friend is a shelter, a treasure beyond price (Sir 6:14, 15). "Were one to offer all he owns to purchase love, he would be roundly mocked" (Sg 8:7). "A faithful friend is a life-saving remedy, such as he who fears God finds" (Sir 6:16).
Since friends are such a rich blessing, we need to know how to have as many true friends as possible. We must fear God, that is, have a right relationship to God, and do everything in Jesus, "the Way, and the Truth, and the Life" (Jn 14:6).
"What a friend we have in Jesus!" When He's our Friend, we have the Way to true friendship with others. With true friendship, we have the support and encouragement, the protection and shelter, to live a life faithful to the Lord, our spouses, families, and brothers and sisters in the Lord.
"A true friend will fight with you against the foe, against your enemies he will be your shield-bearer" (Sir 37:5). Thank Jesus for true friends!
| PRAYER: | Jesus, I know You'll always remain faithful and true. May I also be faithful and true. |
| PROMISE: | "At the beginning of creation God made them male and female; for this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and the two shall become as one. They are no longer two but one flesh." –Mk 10:6-8 |
| PRAISE: | Mel regularly befriends lonely people in his workplace, eating lunch with them and offering to pray for their concerns. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College