Last week my wife and I had a wonderful evening out with some close family friends. We were enriched by spending time together.
Friends have a way of encouraging us. Friends keep us accountable. They walk us through difficult times. They are beside us when we soar.
Good friends are hard to find. Some seem to use us. Some seem to throw us away when something better comes along.
No one can hurt us or help us more than close friends.
This truth leads many people toward a life lived in isolation. They live out their days never having experienced true and unconditional love and friendship.
They assume that being alone is far better than becoming exposed and hurt.
Jesus, though, promised to never forsake us. The Bible tells us that he is "closer than a brother" (Proverbs 18:24).
This Old Testament passage is part of the Bible's wisdom literature. It contains hope and it contains practical help in order to live well.
King Solomon is saying that because Jesus is loving and kind, he chose to give his life by dying on a Roman cross as payment for sin. Through faith in him we will forever be tied to him and gain eternal life.
This is what Easter is all about. It contains a story of true and total love. Jesus didn't stay dead. He is alive. He loves you!
Maybe that's hard to believe. You may not feel lovable. You may live in shame. You may not feel that you need love. Still, Jesus loves you.
Good friends are indeed hard to find. Maybe you should give Jesus a try. He will always be there. He will never leave you.
You will have gained a friend forever.
