10 Marks of Friendship for Trying Times

10. A friend is loyal. Proverbs 16:28 states, “A whisperer separates the best of friends.” Proverbs 17:9 reinforces this with, “He who repeats a matter separates friends.”

 

In the turbulent times that lie before us (again, barring a national spiritual awakening), we need to keep uppermost the warning of our Lord Jesus that men “will betray one another” (Matt. 24:10).

 

Remember where we started: “Keep your friends close but your enemies closer.”

 

In spite of what may come, let’s give ourselves to intentionally building meaningful and strong friendships. May we also take consolation in knowing we are friends of God and can remain secure in the One who always remains “a friend who sticks closer than a brother” (Prov. 18:24).