Pastor Dave Anderson served here at Grace for more than 15 years. Although he, like any shepherd, had moments of difficulty, his overwhelming observation from those years of ministry was a keen awareness of the love of God as displayed though the parishioners here at Grace. However, it was only in his final months that that love became for him a symphony of encouragement, that helped carry him through his battle with cancer.
This morning we will look at a verse plucked from the midst of turmoil in Book of Proverbs. A short truth, that has deep meaning for the church today and for our understand of the faithfulness of Christ, to journey with us through our deepest waters and most tumultuous trials.
Proverbs 17:17
“A friend loves at all times
and a brother is born for adversity.”
- There is no time clock to punch on “friendship” – “all times”
- Fair-weather friends not allowed
- The evidence of commitment (true friendship like a member of your own family – a brother) is only visible in adversity
- When the chips are down you see who your true friends are
- “A friend cannot be known in prosperity; and an enemy cannot be hidden in adversity.”
– quote Sirach 12:8 / KJV Apocrypha
Jesus our: Friend
John 15:15 – “I no longer call you servants… instead I have called you friends…”
Jesus our: Brother
Matthew 12:50 – “For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”
Deuteronomy 31:6 & Hebrews 13:5 – God says, “I will never leave you nor forsake you”
Romans 8:35 – “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?”
Romans 5:8 – “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Conclusion:
- Be willing to receive love
- Recognize Jesus as your faithful friend, and brother
- Love one another @ all times – especially through troubles
Application:
Good – say kind things (don’t entertain negative thoughts about others)
Bad – confront in love
Ugly – confess & ask forgiveness
Who do you know that is going through adversity today?
God has put you on the earth to show them support, encouragement, and love.