Proverbs 17:17

A friend loves you at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

As friends, we love each other all the time, even when we’re being stupid. We don’t stop loving one another. Ever. This is the great comfort of true friendship, is it not? This is the great comfort of Jesus’ friendship with us, knowing that when we give Him the finger, He just hugs us more tightly. Now, if we act stupid long enough, He may back up, but still remain open-armed. Either way He is loving us.

Our brothers are born for tough times. That’s what we’re here for as far as our Christian brothers and sisters are concerned. To be with one another during the tough times. That’s so much of life. That is so much of comfort. In one sense, I was born to be there for others. I was not born merely to please myself. Paradoxically, when I am there for others, I am very pleased.

Proverbs 17:28

Even fools seem to be wise when they keep quiet; if they don’t speak, they appear to understand.

What’s that old quote?

Better to remain silent and thought a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.

Sometimes we all need that.

Matthew 17:7-8

“Then Jesus came over and touched them, ‘Get up,’ he said. ‘Don’t be afraid.’ And when they looked, they saw only Jesus.”

I often wonder how easier my life would be if I just looked up and saw only Jesus. How the fear, doubts, anger, and resentment would all melt away if I just quit and looked up. How many times have I just not had faith in the One whom has always seen it through? How many times has he asked me “Why?” when I get distracted, or look at other places for help, or even worse rely on my own broken nature and lies? At times like those I feel prepared for the lash or the hit in the face, but it never comes. Tenderness, grace, and comfort are there to meet me in my most selfish and prideful of times. Vengeance is not for those that love him, but peace, love, and strength if we just stop and look at Him.