
Proverbs 17:17
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.
This is difficult for me right now, because I am suddenly in the midst of a situation with an extended family member, and am wondering how to best handle it. Yesterday, "step one" became clear after some contemplation. But it does not feel finished to me, and a "step two" is forming. The Holy Spirit is letting me know there is more to do.
Heavenly Father, help me to be all I should be, give all I should give, and do all you would have me do. Amen
Becky, transforming
Pic by Kathleen C.
From the Message: Proverbs, 17:17
Friends love through all kinds of weather and families stick together in all kinds of trouble.
One of the things that fills my heart is when I hear one of my daughters talk about their friends with disfunctional families and the story always ends with, “I’m so glad our family is not like that.” We truly are blessed. We are far from perfect and often disagree, but always, always stick together—always! I think we’ve learned that love will surmount everything and keep us together.
Prayer: Gracious God, Thank you for this gift of love that is our glue to happiness. Amen
Tuesday, October 24th, 2023
Proverbs 17:17
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
Solomon points out the value of a friend and a brother. He says a true friend is always loving, and a brother helps in trying times. A true friend and genuine brother exhibit true love in unfavorable circumstances as well as in favorable ones. A brother sticks with you when adversity strikes because that is what family does. I believe the word brother in this verse doesn’t refer to just siblings, but also to brothers and sisters in Christ. True friends stick with you even when there is no benefit in doing so and even in the midst of adversity. G…
Proverbs 17:17 Adversity can bring families together or tear them apart. The likelihood of divorce increases substantially with the chronic illness or death of a child. I have read of instances of a spouse seeking divorce when the other is stricken with a terminal disease or is rendered disabled. This flies in the face of the vow, “for better or for worse,” and grieves the heart of God. As followers of Christ we must be the ones to push back against the self-centered mindset of our culture and demonstrate Proverbs 17:17 and all Biblical precepts regarding familial love.
Prayer - Lord, for all the broken and hurting families, may they find reconciliation and peace. Teach us to lay aside the exaltation…