A Friend For All Seasons

We have probably all had fair-weather friends at one time or another. They're the ones who stop being a friend when things get difficult. For whatever reason, so-called friends like this distance themselves when circumstances change.

The Bible picture of a true friend differs sharply from this kind of person. Proverbs 17:17 describes the true friend as one whose friendship endures hard times, and even grows stronger during those times.

Jesus 'friendship with two sisters and their brother Lazarus illustrates well this type of friendship. Their relationship continued through pleasant times and difficult times. Their friendship shows us the need for true friends. It also teaches us to value the friendships we have.