What Real Friendship Looks Like in Proverbs 17:17

Hey, carpool crew. Maybe you're getting ready to see your best friend at school, or you're just sitting in the back seat, rubbing your eyes, still waking up. I'm Pastor Justin and welcome to Carpooling with Jesus. All series long we've been talking about friendship and today's verse is all about real friendship, what it looks like, what it takes, and why it matters so much more than popularity. Our verse today is from Proverbs chapter 17, verse 17. A friend loves at all times and a brother is born for a difficult time. See, Solomon gives us a clear picture of what a real friendship looks like. A true friend doesn't just love you when things are easy. They love you at all times, good days, bad days, awkward days, messy hair days, and just generally messed up days. And when life gets tough, that's when real friends step up. They're there for you. They encourage you. This verse isn't just a cute quote. It's a challenge and it's exactly the kind of friend Jesus is and the kind of friend he calls you to be. You know how some people are there for you when everything's fun, but disappear when things get hard. That's not what Solomon is talking about. He's saying a real friend has your back even when you're struggling. They check on you when you're quiet or upset to make sure you're okay. They don't bail on you when you're in a tough spot. And that part about a brother or sister being born for a difficult time, it means God gives us friends and siblings and teammates, not just for laughs, but to stand with us when things are hard. If Jesus were walking with you between classes and you were feeling maybe lonely or left out, he might say, I'm with you and I made you to be the kind of friend who shows up when it's hard. See, Jesus called his disciples friends, not just followers, friends. He stuck with them through betrayal, doubt, weakness. He never stopped loving them. Let's say your friend is getting made fun of on the playground or at the lunch table. Everyone's laughing. You weren't the one making fun, but you're just standing there. What kind of friend do you wanna be? The kind that loves at all times, or the kind that disappears when things get tough. Sometimes being a good friend doesn't mean saying the perfect thing. It just means being there, standing up for them, standing with them, and not running away. So what are some ways you can apply this today? First, be the kind of friend you wish you had. You know, the kind of friend you wanna have. Be that friend for others. Second, stick with people when they're going through something, even if it's awkward, even if it's hard. And lastly, ask Jesus to help you be a friend who shows up in real life, not just through a screen. You don't want your friends to only be people you talk to via text or on Instagram or TikTok. You want your friends to be people you hang out with, spend time with, and make memories with. Remember, no matter where you are or how you're listening, God loves you and he's the best friend you'll ever have. Before you go, answer this question together, what's one way you can be a better friend this week? Especially if someone around you is going through a hard time. I'll see you tomorrow on Carpooling with Jesus.