Closer Than a Brother

Scripture:

"One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." Proverbs 18:24

Devotional:

Certainly, many of us have a basic understanding of what a friend is. In the Bible, the Greek word for friend is "phílos" – a friend; someone dearly loved (prized) in a personal, intimate way; a trusted confidant, held dear in a close bond of personal affection.

Unreliable friends might show up when life is easy, but vanish when things get hard. For example, this could be a coworker who is quick to celebrate your success at work but avoids you when you're facing a challenge. These relationships are built on convenience or a situation, rather than commitment.

Reliable friends stand with us in moments of both joy and hardship, showing up when it matters most. Think of a friend who checks in when they know you’re going through a tough season, or someone who sticks by your side, even when loving you is inconvenient. These are the relationships that strengthen us, pointing us toward Christ.

Proverbs speak of: “a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” This friend is Jesus, the eternal phílos who demonstrates perfect love. He is the Friend we long for, the One who will never fail us.

Human friendship, as precious as it is, will always be limited. Even the most faithful friends falter occasionally. Their love is always constrained by the frailty of our fallen human nature. We know this experientially. Even our deepest, most joy-filled friendships can let us down when friends fail to meet our expectations, or cannot fully shoulder the weight of our burdens. Why? Because they were never meant to bear the ultimate load of sin. Only Christ can carry that fully, faithfully, forever.

Our friends will fail us, they are only human. Jesus promises never to leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). We can always depend on Him. He proved His devotion by giving His life for us on the cross.

As a Christian, know that Jesus is your closest friend. You are never alone. He is with you, steadfast and faithful, through all seasons of life.

Questions:

1. Reflect on your friendships: Are there ways you can be a more reliable and Christlike friend to those in your life, especially when it’s inconvenient?
2. How does knowing that Jesus is your eternal and perfect phílos impact the way you handle feelings of loneliness or disappointment in human relationships?

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank You for being the perfect Friend who never leaves or forsakes me. Help me to reflect Your character and love in my friendships, showing up for others even when it’s inconvenient. When my relationships fall short, remind me that You are always with me, carrying my burdens and filling my heart with Your peace. Teach me to depend on You as my closest phílos, and to draw me nearer to You each day. Amen.