LOVE IN FRIENDSHIPS "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity." – Proverbs 17:17 (NIV) Friendship is one of God's gifts to us, providing support, encouragement, and companionship through life’s seasons. True friendship is not just about shared interests or good times; it is built on love, trust, and faithfulness. A real friend loves at all times; when things are easy and when challenges arise. This kind of love mirrors God’s steadfast love for us, calling us to be reliable and selfless in our relationships. Love in friendship means standing by one another in both joy and hardship. It is easy to be a friend when things are going well, but true friendship is tested in adversity. Jesus demonstrated this kind of unwavering love with His disciples, loving them despite their flaws, doubts, and failures. He calls us to love our friends the same way — with patience, forgiveness, and a heart willing to bear each other’s burdens (Galatians 6:2). A godly friendship is not just about receiving love but also giving it. Friendships require effort, communication, and acts of kindness. Small gestures, like checking in, praying for one another, and offering encouragement, strengthen the bond of love. As Proverbs 27:17 says, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." Godly friendships challenge and refine us, helping us grow in character and faith. At times, friendships may go through conflicts or misunderstandings. However, love in friendship means choosing reconciliation over resentment. Ephesians 4:32 encourages us to be “kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” True friends seek peace, extend grace, and value the relationship more than their pride. Friendship is a reflection of God’s love. Jesus calls us His friends (John 15:15), showing that friendship is not just a human relationship but a spiritual one. Invest in friendships that draw you closer to God, and be the kind of friend who loves selflessly, forgives quickly, and stands firm in times of trouble. When friendship is rooted in love, it becomes a source of strength, joy, and divine blessing. Meditate! Am I a friend who loves at all times? How can I reflect God’s love in my friendships? Pray! Lord, thank You for the gift of friendships. Help me to be a friend who loves selflessly, forgives easily, and encourages faithfully. Teach me to reflect Your love in my relationships. Amen. Act! Reach out to a friend today. Encourage them, pray for them, or do something that shows them they are valued and loved. Read! Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, John 15:12-15, Proverbs 27:9, Romans 12:10. Friendships built on love and faithfulness are a beautiful reflection of God’s heart. Treasure them, nurture them, and let them be a testimony of His grace! SpiritWord × February 19, 2025 (C) Oluremi. OmuAjose, Ijebu. = Thank you for receiving The Word. To get it directly on WhatsApp, please follow our channel http://bit.ly/40W151F. Join us this Thursday online via https://bit.ly/41dqnIJ or onsite at 5:30pm (WAT) as we gather for "CHRISTIAN ATTITUDES & LIFESTYLE". You can also be part of CAMPUS KINGDOM DECREES every Thursday at 4am (WAT). Don’t miss it! For Counselling and/or Intercession, kindly mail [email protected]. Know someone looking to build a solid foundation in their Christian walk? Encourage them to join the Believers' Foundational Class! For details, email [email protected]. To get updates, partner/donate and other inquiries related to our ministry operations, please reach us via mail or Whatsapp. See you at 20:45 (NGR) for BUILDUP. https://bit.ly/4jDJORV.