Some friendships do not last, but some friends are more loyal than brothers. Proverbs 18:24 GNT
At different points in our lives, we have made friends that, over time, have faded. We change jobs, move away, and our interests change. At other times something might have happened that created a rift. However, if we're fortunate, we have some friendships that survive all those things.
You may recall the song recorded by the Hollies in 1969, "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother," that captures this unconditional love of true friends.
The road is long
With many a winding turn
That leads us to who knows where?
Who knows where?
But I'm strong
Strong enough to carry him
He ain't heavy, he's my brother
So on we go
His welfare is my concern
No burden is he to bear
We'll get there
For I know
He would not encumber me
He ain't heavy, he's my brother
The lyrics go on from there, but you get the idea. We uncomplainingly go to great lengths to help a friend in need.
There is another song about friendship, this one about a friend sent from heaven to die on the cross–Jesus Christ. The hymn, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” was written by Joseph Medlicott Scriven in 1885 (#526 in The United Methodist Hymnal).
What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.
Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Father, we thank you for all the friends in our lives, those who are with us for a short while, and those who help shoulder our burdens regardless of the time of day or distance. We especially thank you for your gift of our faithful friend Jesus, who carried our sins to the cross and stands ready to bear our grief and pain. Help us to be good friends to others, living out the example of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
For more information on the story of “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” go here.
