Closer Than A Brother

Barney and Barlow are brothers, obviously not biological, but by adoption. After Barney, the Sheltie, goes for a run every morning with Tim and Matthew, I have to wash his feet and then put him in his cage until his feet dry off. We have wooden floors throughout our house. Whenever Barney is in the cage, Barlow will not leave his side for anything! Even the squeaky noise of his stuffed toy duck will not persuade him to desert his brother. Barlow will stay right by the door of Barney's cage until Barney is finally let out. Now that is an prime example of what being a brother is all about!

How many times do friends abandon us when we are sick, depressed, or grieving and no longer fun to be around — or in other words caged by the circumstances of life? Sometimes even people we considered to be our closest friends begin to avoid us. They are uncomfortable and uneasy, not sure what to say or do. The phone calls, visits, and invitations cease. When we most need the comfort and security of friends, they are not there. We feel all alone, but we're not!

God is right there beside you and He sticks closer than a brother.

"A man of too many friends comes to ruin. But there is a friend

 who sticks closer than a brother."

Proverbs 18:24

Next time when one of your friends are in need of desperate psychological comfort, don't run away. Do what Barlow does and show the love of God. Stay with them and be a friend. You don't have to say a word. You don't even have to understand. Just being there is enough!