Jan 23 – WOUNDS OF A FRIEND!

“Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful” (Proverbs 27:6).

Your real friends will always be pointing out your mistakes and errors with love. They will never make propaganda of the shortfalls. They will show true love and care in your growth. That is why, Solomon the wise says, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend.”

Even friendship has become selfish and business in this 20th century. Some people value friendship selfishly, and they say, ‘Let me get introduced to that person. If I get his friendship, I will develop in many ways.’ Such people boast in appearance and not in heart. Judas went up to Jesus and said, ‘Greetings, Rabbi.’ Saying this, he kissed Jesus. After this, he revealed his true self and betrayed Jesus Christ. Even today, many people behave in this way.

One who loves friendship should initially come forward to share the depth of his heart and love. The book titled “How to earn friends?” was sold in lakhs. In this book, the author writes, “You may earn a lot of friends running here and there for two years and by taking great efforts. But, if you show real love and care towards others, you can earn friends even bigger in number.”

Do you want to develop a friendship which you already have with a person? Spend more time with him. Inquire about his health and other things. Even if you do not find time to meet that person directly, keep on expressing your love towards him through letters or telephone. Ensure that the fire of love does not get extinguished.

Jesus Christ is coming to your home in search of you to reaffirm His friendship with you. Standing at the entrance, He is knocking the door. With love, He calls you saying, “If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come into him and dine with him” (Revelation 3:20). Did he not descend to earth, renouncing the Heavenly greatness, because of His love over you? Did He not turn into an ordinary man like us, with flesh and blood? Did He not take the form of a slave and carry the Cross? What can you give back to Him, in return to His friendliness of greatness?

In Tamil, there is an excellent song which explains the love of God. It goes this way. ‘Since your friendly promises never change, guide me in your path of love.’ While singing this song, one can understand the greatness of the friendship of God.

Dear children of God, give space and allow that friendship and love to fill your heart. 

To meditate: “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up” (I Corinthians 13:4).