Title: True Friend!

Proverbs 18:24: “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” 

Devotion: Friendship is one of life’s greatest treasures, but it is also one of its greatest tests. Many people will walk with you when the road is smooth, but only a few will remain when the path grows rough. I experienced this firsthand—when I left my workplace, only one person reached out. Surprisingly, it wasn’t the one I considered closest, but her call revealed the purity of her heart. That is the mark of a true friend.

The Nature of True Friendship: The Bible reminds us that not all who surround us are genuine companions. The scripture focus above says it all. True friendship is not measured by convenience or gain, but by loyalty and love.

  David understood this deeply. He was betrayed by those he trusted—Ahithophel, his counselor, turned against him and joined Absalom’s rebellion (2 Samuel 15:31). The sting of betrayal was so sharp that David lamented in Psalm 55:12–14: “If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it… But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend, with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship.”  

  Yet, even in betrayal, David learned to lean on God, the Friend who never fails.

The Example of True Friends: Contrast betrayal with the loyalty of Jonathan, Saul’s son. Jonathan risked his own life and position to protect David (1 Samuel 20). His friendship was marked by covenant love, selflessness, and faithfulness. Jonathan’s actions remind us that true friends are gifts from God, sent to strengthen us in times of need.

My story echoes this truth: the unexpected call from someone not considered “nearest” shows that God often reveals genuine hearts in surprising places. It is not always the ones we expect who prove faithful, but those whose love is sincere.

The Greatest Friend: Ultimately, Jesus is the perfect example of a true friend. In John 15:13 He declares: “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” His sacrifice on the cross is the ultimate demonstration of friendship—He gave His life not for convenience, but out of pure love.

Reflection:

- Cherish the rare friends who reach out without expecting anything in return.  

- Do not be disheartened when others drift away; even David faced betrayal.  

- Remember that God often uses unexpected people to show His love.  

- Above all, rest in the friendship of Christ, who will never leave nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5).

Prayer: Lord, thank You for the gift of true friends. Help me to discern genuine hearts and to be a faithful friend myself. When others fail me, remind me that You are the Friend who sticks closer than a brother. Amen.

Do not lean on man, but Jesus. He fails not. Share your testimonies here and encourage someone. Share this with your contacts.

©Dr Joel Olanrewaju, gbemide09@gmail.com.