Proverbs 17:17 says, "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity." That means a true friend keeps loving you on good days and on hard days too. A friend does not run away when things feel difficult.
The verse also says a brother is born for a time of trouble. God gives us people who stand beside us when we are sad or scared or lonely. Being alone is hard. God knows that, so He gives us friends.
But this verse is not only about what friends do for us. It is about what we can do for others. Ananya saw a girl with no one to play with. She did not have to be brave for long. She only had to say hello and ask one question. That small kindness started a friendship.
You can show that kind of love too. Look for someone standing alone at school, at church, or in your building. A smile and a kind word can open a door. You do not need to say much. Ask, "Do you want to play?"
God is a friend who never leaves us. We can share that same friendship with others today.
👫Making Friends
A Friend at All Times
God gives us friends, and we can be a friend too
October 23, 20263 min readNIV
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.
— Proverbs 17:17 (NIV)
Proverbs of Solomon
Today's Story
✍️Fictitious Story
At the playground after school, Ananya Devan saw a girl sitting alone on the low wall by the stairs. The girl held a paper bookmark and turned it over and over. Ananya held her tin pencil case and watched her for a long time. Her face felt hot. What if the girl did not want to talk?
Emma Yeo was already jumping rope with two other children. Ananya could have joined them. Instead she walked to the wall. Her shoes made soft sounds on the concrete. She stopped two steps away.
"Hello," Ananya said. "My name is Ananya. Do you want to play?"
The girl looked up. "I don't know anyone here," she said.
"Now you know me," Ananya said.
The girl smiled and put the bookmark in her pocket. They walked to the rope together, and Emma made room for both of them.
Reflection
Think About It
• Who is one person you could say hello to this week? • How can you show love to a friend on a hard day?
Prayer
God, some days I feel shy and alone. I want to hide and stay quiet. Yet I will trust You. You give me friends who stay. Help me be a friend to someone new today. Give me courage to say hello. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Live It Out
Say hello to someone new today and ask, "Do you want to play?"