Brotherhood

 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.

Proverbs 17:17 (NIV)

There's another proverb that says that a friend nearby is better than a brother far away. My mum has a saying that we can pick and choose our friends, but we're stuck with our siblings for life, so we should make extra effort to be on good terms. For many people, friends are closer than siblings though.

A true friend isn't a fair weather friend. A good friend isn't just a mate you meet down the pub. They're someone you can rely on through thick and thin.

Amazingly, Jesus Himself, the Holy One, described Himself as a 'Friend of sinners'. Even though we deserve His condemnation for our sinful rebellion against Him, that doesn't have to be our destiny. We can be befriended by Almighty God!

When we trust in Jesus, we're adopted into God's family. He's like our elder brother spiritually. Instead of picking on us like the worst of older brothers, He's our Advocate; He always fights our corner, as long as we stick close to Him.

'Abba God, we praise You for sending Your Son to befriend us. We trust in You to adopt us into Your family, through faith in Him, in whose name we pray, amen'.

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