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Show A FRIEND INDEED "Greater love hath lay down his no man than life for his friends." I went out to find a But could not find I went out to be And friends a were (John 13) one there. friend, everywhere! 24, we read "A that hath friends must shew himself friendly: than a "The and there is brother." a how to friend that sticketh closer Ralph Waldo only way to have W. Boreham a said, "The Emerson down man keep his friendships by some real friend is everybody said, friend is to be one." F. who has learned perfect repair is Perhaps the in very wise workman indeed." greatest definition of a friend indeed unknown writer who was a put said, "A guy who walks in when else walks out." a coming to the close to the end of earthly journey. His work of saving souls, Jesus His 15: friend, In the book of Proverbs 18: man this, that a man was 1 paying the ultimate price of death, and winning the victory over death and the grave among men was almost finished. He would soon depart to return to sit at the right hand of the Father and make intercession for His friends. Before he last word of assurance, a will for those who follow in His footsteps so that leaves, He has a they might not grow weary in well-doing. message of connectedness. "Greater love hath no man than this, that He delivers a lay down his Friends empathy, So a man life for his friends." together by affection, sympathy. Friends are warmed by are and bound the presence of one another and the support that grows in mutual concern. Friends are guided, stimulated, and empowered by the fellowship of one another. Friends another's level, walk the This text down to one way, dwell in and act toward one another relationship, as proof of their love. mutual come seems to same suggest that there might be lesser love. Some who talk about love 2 might practice it. Some who love in good times might forsake you when things get tough. Some who love when they benefit might forget when it is there term to help. Some love as long as there is something in return for them. not Furthermore, the text tells us of the love that is the greater love. That love is active and willing to do for others even when it cost. It is the love that goes all the way and sacrificially holds nothing back. This love sees no limits winning trump card to play. You might say it is the kind of friendship that works in the sunshine and in the rain, in the valley and on the mountaintop. This friendship sees everybody as they are and does what needs to be done. This friendship is strong and tender, patient and enduring, liberal and giving. Jesus is a friend indeed. He is a teaching friend, teaching us truth about the mysteries of life. He is saving friend, giving His own life that we might live. He is a forbearing friend, not repelled by our infirmities. He is a practical and holds no 3 every need. He is and eternal friend. friend, ministering to or an unchanging Until a couple of weeks ago, I kept a three part phone directory. In the first part, I kept all the names phone numbers, and address of my friends the members of Calvary. In the second part, I kept all the names and numbers of my preacher/pastor friends across the country. In the third part, I kept the contact information for my family and personal friends. I imagine the Apostle Paul kept an address book. In it was no doubt the name of Aquila 3); Onesiphorus who provided him with refreshments (2 Timothy 1: 16); Philemon who was a source of joy and comfort (Philemon 1: 7); Dr. Luke who from time to time (Acts walked and talked with others. 18: him, and a host of book, on page one, would have been the names of Peter, Andrew, James and John; on page two we find the names Philip In Jesus' address 4 and Bartholomew, Thomas and Matthew; on page three are James and Thaddaeus, Simon and Judas; on page four would be Mary, Martha and Lazarus; on page five would be your name and mine. I so What a glad I friend of Jesus. am friend we have in Jesus, all griefs to bear! What a privilege to in prayer! our sins and carry, o What peace often pain we bear, All because we God in prayer. Have we trial and anywhere? We should never temptation? be Are Is there trouble take it to the faithful who will all our share? Jesus knows Lord in everything to discouraged, so to God forfeit, 0 what needless do not carry Lord in prayer. Can we find a friend sorrows Everything our Prayer. we every weak and weakness, take it to the heavy laden, 5 cumbered with a load of care? Precious Savior, still our refuge, take it to the Lord in prayer. Do thy friends despise, forsake thee? Take it to the Lord in prayer; In His arms He'll take and shield wilt find a solace there." (Hymn 517 by Joseph Charles Converse) 6 thee, Thou Scriven and |
