- Tuesday, December 23rd, 2025
A true friend
"As ron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend" ( Proverbs 27:17).
Among the blessings God has given us to enjoy life on earth is also the gift of friendships. One reason being that companionship which friendship brings is good for our mental health. Pyschologists have long found out that lonelyness can cause depression because one lacks those whom he can share his inner struggles. Usually one of the best ways for a person who is grieving to help him recover is the presence of friends. That body of social support has indeed helped many rebound.
Jesus moved with crowds and had a dozen disciples. But he had also an inner circle of the most trusted friends, as everyone ought. "After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves" ( Matthew 17:1). These were certainly his closest confidants, a good marker where friends are concerned. There are certain thoughts which one can only intimately share with the most trusted inner circle.
Solomon observed that one chief role of friends in our lives is to help us "sharpen one another!" There are friends we have but of a surface nature; but just like Jesus we must also move to that level of having that trusted friend whom one can open up without feeling challenged. This friend is not there just to flatter us with fluent praises but also to give one a sober look at all aspects of his life, including those blind spots, bringing one back to reality. It's a great blessing when one lands up such. That is a true friend.
Prayer today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, I thank you for the gift of friends who enrich my life but even more for that inner circle of true friends who speak truth into my life to make me a better person, to your glory, this I pray in Jesus's name.
