Friends at all times

The word "friend" takes on different nuances and forms throughout life, and in many cases friends are a blessing given by God, since they become the "family" that we choose for as long as we live.

Nelson was not one of the best students in the academic area, but he was undoubtedly one of the most loved by his teachers and classmates. He had several friends, but especially one, Gustavo, with whom he would sit in the classroom and all day long he would share the activities typical of young people: endless chats, sports, games on the phone, conversations on the Internet, and some others. It was normal to see them arrive at school together, sometimes late, sometimes early, but always together.

One night, after being at church activities, Nelson was involved in a terrible accident. A young man, 19 years old, drunk and without a driver's license, ran over him as he was about to cross the street. The injuries were serious: fractures to his left arm and leg, and head trauma. It was painful for all of us to hear about this accident.

When I went to see him at the hospital, wanting to talk to his family to encourage them and also to pray with them, Gustavo was present. When I arrived, I asked him: "Gustavo, are you here too?", to which he answered: "Yes, Chaplain, we friends are here in good times and in bad".

A friend loves at all times. -Proverbs 17:17

It is beautiful to enjoy a nice friendship when life smiles on us, but how wonderful it is to have them close to us in those painful moments that we all have to live! Friends are a gift from God, they are by our side to encourage us, support us, understand us and even stop us when we are about to commit folly. True friendship will always seek the good of the other.

God gives you the possibility of showing yourself a friend and having friends, and the age you are at is perhaps the best time to seek them out and cultivate them for life. As a friend, do not forget to show yourself as such when others are experiencing dangers, distress and problems; and when pain strikes you, remember that God will use true friends to encourage you and cheer you up in that difficult moment. Thank God today for giving you the blessing of being and having friends.