Proverbs 18:24 A man that has friends must show himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother. The following excellent qualities of Christ, as a Friend, may serve to recommend and endear Him to our hearts: 1. He is an ancient Friend. Who can declare the antiquity of this friendship? Is it ancient as the incarnation? Is it ancient as His baptism? Is it ancient as the prophetical or patriarchal age? Nay, it is older than time itself. It is from everlasting. 2. He is a careful Friend. It was the psalmist's complaint, "No man careth for my soul." But the Christian has a Friend who cares for him. 3. He is a prudent Friend. Our best earthly friends may err through ignorance or mistake; but this Friend "abounds in all wisdom and prudence." 4. He is a faithful Friend. Friends frequently prove false, and sad indeed it is when they prove like a brook in summer. Some men are not to be trusted. Those in whom you confide most will be ready to betray you soonest. But Christ is faithful in all His promises. 5. He is a loving Friend. Friendship without love is like religion without love; a friendless and inconsistent — a cold, unmeaning, and impossible thing. Christ's love is said to surpass the love of women. 6. He is a constant and unchangeable Friend. His compassions fail not. Our Friend is a Friend for ever. "The gifts and calling of God are without repentance." "Having loved His own, He loveth them to the end." If Christ is our Friend, we may rest satisfied. All things will work together for our good. (D. McIndoe.) Parallel Verses KJV: A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.WEB: A man of many companions may be ruined, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. |
    |