14/03/2016 - THE FRIEND AND BROTHER

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A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.  Proverbs 17.17

Whoever is a true friend does not run from the other in times of adversity, such as when someone gives in to sin or makes a decision that is contrary to the divine will. He will enter in the presence of the Father to seek for a word to help his friend return to the communion with the Most High. Nobody falls by chance; slowly, people start to be misled by the evil offers, and when they notice, they are trapped by the temptations.

A true friend feels the pain of the loss of he who is dear to him. Therefore, it is important to seek God to free him from his traps. Whoever is not loyal does not get touched by his friend’s situation and acts as if he had never known him. We see an example of friendship in Epaphras, who proved his friendship and love for his brethren, fighting in prayer so that they would obtain victory.

There are trials in which many are no proved in their first time. Then, instead of preparing not to fall, they quit. However, if we have a faithful friend rebuking us, seeking divine direction about how to deal with the battles, he will enter in combat and will not give up until he is safe from the devil’s maneuvers. Many will be straightened in the faith if they are truly loved.

Those who dedicate themselves to intercede for the weak going through temptations see that God Himself comes to anoint them with a capacity that is greater than their own power, so that they may do the work that pleases Him. It is evident that the Lord does not want anyone to be lost. Thus, He sent His Only Son so that the lost would be saved (Jo 3.16). Therefore, invest everything you have in order to “snatch” someone from their downfall.

In the process of sanctification, many times we are not firm in the faith. The true friend does not consider this in order to accuse us, but finds a word of encouragement to help us. He puts his effort in trying to drive us away from the traps of the evil one. The one who truly loves, without filthy or selfish interests, is only pleased when the person returns with sincerity and truth to the faith.

Among the faithful friends, there is always one who acts like a brother, crying out the Lord, groaning in the Holy Spirit in a way that cannot be uttered, as if he was weak and because of that he did not resist. The true intercessor acts like Moses did for Israel more than once (Ex 32.32). Intercession is one of the most beautiful things, for it makes many people return to the Lord’s house.

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares