The Bible teaches us over and over that " Jesus is a FRIEND that sticketh closer than a brother"! Like the song says, No One Ever Cared For Me Like Jesus! He is a true friend. He was even a friend to the end for the disloyal and betraying Judas ( Matthew 26:50). Even while being betrayed He called Judas "friend".  Jesus was and is a friend of sinners!  Jesus declared that Lazarus was a friend and wanted everyone to know. Jesus was not only friendly He was a friend who showed it and proclaimed it. He was such a good friend that He did not smother his friends, but allowed them to have and be friends with others. We have all seen those who want friends but they don't want their friends to have other friends. That is not a healthy friendship nor is it a friendship that Jesus modeled.

A friend is someone who is always there when you need them. And the best friends are those who pattern their friendships after Jesus! After all He is perfect, He is God and while Jesus was on earth He gave us an example of friendship in heaven and friendship in perfection. May we strive to be friends like Jesus!

I heard it said many years ago, " I went out to find a friend and could not find one there. I went out to be a friend, and friends were everywhere." I have found this to be so true. Scripture teaches us to show ourselves friendly and we will have friends. " Whatsoever a man soweth, ( WHAT SHALL HE REAP?) that shall he reap.  SOW FRIENDSHIP REAP FRIENDSHIP!  Our selfish side is interested in having friends, our Jesus side is interested in being a friend. And thank God each true believing follower of Jesus has a Jesus side, the new nature!

Let me encourage you to read Proverbs 27 today, this week, this month and seek to be more like the BEST FRIEND EVER, JESUS! When you read look for several traits of a true and Christlike friend.  Notice verses 2,4,5,6,9,10 & 17 and you will find them. When you do leave a comment and let me know what you found. Hope you have a " FRIENDLY READING TIME!