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The Bible has wonderful advice for us about relationships which, if applied, will make dramatic differences in our relationships with our friends, family members, coworkers—everyone.
Proverbs 17:17 is one of the classic verses to help us improve our relationships. It says quite simply: “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”
At all times—we can apply that very literally. A true friend is available in the middle of the night, weekends, lunch hours, times reserved for yourself, times when you’re tired, times when you feel very needy yourself. Friendship requires a time commitment of us that may be costly and sacrificial on occasion.
Many friendships are simply reciprocal: the people involved give to the relationship for the purpose of receiving, and when they’re not receiving what they think they should be, they stop giving. But that’s not the kind of relationship that loves at all times. Jesus said anybody can love the person who loves them in return; but true love is to care for someone when they are not showing you the same care and concern. Sometimes even our closest relationships go through periods where it seems the other person is not giving to us the way he or she should. But by God’s grace we can be the kind of friend who just keeps loving.
Certainly during times of adversity, we should be there for our friends and family. Is someone you know going through some deep waters right now? How much have you been there for that person? You don’t have to have answers; you don’t need great words of wisdom. Just be there. Let her know you care in every way possible.
If you truly want to improve your relationships, ask God to help you be the kind of friend who loves at all times. That’s the way Jesus is with us, and through him, we can be the same way with others.