The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Psalm 55:12-14, “For it is not an enemy who reproaches me, Then I could bear it;

Nor is it one who hates me who has exalted himself against me, Then I could hide myself from him.

13 But it is you, a man my equal, My companion and my familiar friend.

14 We who had sweet fellowship together, Walked in the house of God in the throng.”

Proverbs 17:17, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”

What is a “friend”? Throughout life we develop various acquaintances. Some stick with us through

thick and thin; others, are “fair-weather” friends. They are friends only so long as their relationship

with us benefits them. When read adversity strikes, they are nowhere to be found.

David describes those he thought to be friends in Pslam 55. Solomon, David’s son, who succeeded

him as king, describes a true friend in Proverbs 17. The differences between the two descriptions

is a vital instruction to us. It should cause us to evaluate and differentiate between those who are

our “friends” for our benefit and who are “friends” for their own.

It’s not that we should choose a friend because he can benefit us; but when trouble comes, how

others react tells us who is the true friend. In fact, when trouble comes, the true friend will act like

a “blood-related brother.” Adversity, then, becomes of value because it proves who is a true friend

and who is not.

Who are your friends? I mean, your true friends? Choose them carefully. They will not be many,

although many will say they are. In John 15:15, Jesus said, “No longer do I call you slaves (doulos,

servant)…I have called you friends (philos, beloved).” Jesus will always be your truest friend. He is

the one of whom Solomon spoke when he said, “…there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

Always trust Him! Share with Him the deepest secrets of your heart. He will “never desert you, nor will

(He) ever forsake you” (Heb. 13:5). Jesus is and always will be your truest Friend.

Praying that you will always be safe in His Hands,

Nana & Dado III

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas 72764

United States of America

“We never know that God is all we need

until He becomes all that we have.”