Transformed – teen devotion – July 11, 2021
This series tackles selections from the book of Proverbs that provide godly wisdom in the areas of relationships, discipline, words, anger, and more.
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.
Proverbs 17:17One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Proverbs 18:24
The Importance of Good Friends
Were you interviewed for a new job this summer and hired? Maybe you were a little nervous because you thought everything depended on how you answered the interview questions. In reality, your first few weeks on the job are just as important. More than anything, your boss is looking for you to show up every day and do your job. They aren’t looking for a Superman or Superwoman, they just want you to be Mr. or Mrs. Dependable.
Isn’t that what your friends are looking for too? Your friends want you to be dependable and reliable. Will you text them back? Will you hang out with them when they’re bored or lonely? Will you be there for them when life is tough? Will you stand next to them when no one else will? That’s the kind of friend we should all want to be. But we all know none of us are the perfectly reliable and dependable friend people look for.
But there is one who is. His name is Jesus! He was born for your adversity. When sin convicted you, when the devil worked to steal you, and when death was going to end you, Jesus came into this world to stand up for you. He came to stand in your place. Jesus took away your sin on the cross. Jesus ripped you out of the devil’s arms and put you into the arms of God. Jesus defeated death when he rose from the dead so you would never have to be afraid. And now Jesus promises to always be your friend.
Jesus was and is our Mr. Dependable. Knowing all he did for us; Jesus calls on us to be that Christ-like friend to all of our friends. Stick close to them. Don’t give up on them, even when they screw up. Always love them as Jesus always loves you. Show up when they need you just as Jesus showed up for you.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, you are my greatest friend. You are my brother! Thank you for showing up and taking care of my sin, the devil, and death. Help me to be a dependable friend like you, always loving, always caring, always being there when my friends need me. Amen.
