March 14 THE AUTHENTIC FRIEND "There are friends who pretend to be friends, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother" (Proverbs 18:24, NSV). How appropriately this title describes Jesus as the true and faithful friend, the One who never fails. Christians throughout the centuries have always interpreted the "friend who sticks closer than a brother," to be Jesus. In His own endearing words, Christ said "I have called you friends" (John 15:15). To be called a friend by somebody famous is regarded an honor. The great Cicero once said: "A friend is as it were a second self." However with Christ, the true friend, it is different. He is not our "second self," but our very life. In prosperity and in adversity, in success or in failure, in sickness and in health, Christ, our unfailing friend, is by our side. He is always there when we need Him most. Jesus is no part-time friend who is close only when the going is good. He is the ever-present friend who "sticks closer than a brother." He is the Friend who "loves at all times" (Proverbs 17:17, RSV). The supreme proof of Christ's unfailing friendship is eloquently expressed in His own words, "Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:13, RSV). Think of it! Not only has Christ loved us and called us His friends, but He willingly and voluntarily gave His life for us. What a wonderful, incomparable friend we have in Jesus! For all eternity we will adore and love Him for being such a friend. How comforting are these words: "Without Christ you can do nothing, but with Him you can do all things, for His grace will be sufficient for you."--Signs of the Times, June 1, 1891. My Prayer Today: Lord, truly, the best friend to have is Jesus. Thank You for being such a friend. Amen.