The captain of a ship could never sail without help from his entire crew. But there is one person he counts on the most—his first mate. As second in command, the first mate is responsible to the captain for the safety and security of the ship. He is also in charge of the ship’s cargo and crew. Often the captain and his first mate are good friends. They have each other’s back in times of trouble. But that isn’t always the case with other members of the crew. Can you say mutiny?
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves (Romans 12:10 NIV).
Having friends in your life is nice, but having one best friend is a blessing. Friends come and go, but a best friend will be there for you throughout your lifetime. When times of distress come, that is when you find out just who that best friend is—or isn’t. You may even be surprised to find that it wasn’t who you thought it was.
Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses (Proverbs 27:6 NIV).
Recently I lost what I believed to be one of my best friends because I was truthful with her. I thought we were close enough to express personal concerns, but I was mistaken. It can be hard expressing your concerns with others. They cannot see your heart, so they might misunderstand what you are trying to say. Even if you’ve been friends your whole life, they can still miss the true meaning of your words. This is especially hard when it is another Christian. But I believe that true friendship will prevail. I believe that one day, our wounds will heal and my friend and I will grow close again. I have to trust God and believe there is a reason for everything.
I do have a friend that will never leave me or forsake me.
Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends (John 15:13 NIV).
Jesus sacrificed Himself for me. I can take all of my prayers and petitions to Him, and I know He will listen and comfort me. He accepts me as I am. I don’t have to tiptoe around His feelings because He knows my heart.
Jesus is my best friend. Everyone else? I consider them my good friends, and that’s good enough for me.
I am happy to report that as of the editing of this devotion, my friend and I are close once again.
And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen (Philippians 4:19–20 NIV).
Debbie Mitchell