In this first episode of the Failure & Love: Friendship series, we begin by diving into "Characteristics of a Godly Friend" focusing on Loyalty. We delve into Proverbs 17:17 and Mark 12:31 to understand the biblical perspective on unwavering friendship. Key Points Discussed: * Proverbs 17:17: A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. * Mark 12:31: Love your neighbor as yourself. We explore the Hebrew and Greek interpretations of these verses, discuss the importance of setting healthy boundaries, and reflect on how to embody true loyalty in our friendships.Please see the study notes below. A godly friend is loyal & there for you in good times and bad Proverbs 17:17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. Verse Analysis Hebrew Word Study & Breakdown * A friend (rêa‘, רֵעַ) Strong's Concordance H7453 – This Hebrew word refers to a close companion or associate, someone who shares life’s experiences with you. It can also mean a neighbour or fellow human being. * Loves (ʾāhab, אָהַב) Strong's Concordance H157 – This verb means to have deep affection or devotion. Biblical love is more than emotion—it is an ongoing commitment. * At all times (bekol-‘ēt, בְּכָל־עֵת) Strong's Concordance H3605 (כָּל, kōl) and H6256 (עֵת, ‘ēt) – This phrase emphasises consistency, meaning a true friend’s love is unwavering, no matter the circumstances. * A brother (ʾāḥ, אָח) Strong's Concordance H251 – This can mean a literal sibling, but it also symbolises deep, familial relationships, including spiritual family. * Born (yullad, יוּלַּד) Strong's Concordance H3205 – The verb means to be brought into existence or destined for a purpose. * For a time of adversity (letsārāh, לְצָרָה) Strong's Concordance H6869 – The word tsarah means distress, trouble, hardship, or suffering. This suggests that a brother (or close relationship) exists to help during life’s hardest moments. Context & Interpretation Context in Proverbs 17Proverbs is a collection of wisdom sayings written primarily by Solomon. Many verses in Proverbs 17 focus on relationships, wisdom, and character. Verse 17 contrasts two types of relationships: * A friend whose love is constant. * A brother who is there in times of crisis. This teaches that true friendship is enduring, while familial bonds often become most evident in hardships. Meaning & Themes * True Friendship is Unconditional – A real friend doesn’t disappear when things get tough. Love is demonstrated in loyalty and steadfastness. * Adversity Reveals Genuine Support – While friends are always present, family and those closest to us may be called upon during difficult times. * Love in Action – Love is not just about feelings but about showing up and supporting others when they need it most. Application: How to Live This Verse * Be the kind of friend who stays – Don't just be present in good times; offer love, patience, and support when others are struggling. * Recognise your support system – Lean on trusted friends and family when facing difficulties. * Show love in action – Express love consistently, not just when convenient or easy. Reflection * Are we friends who love at all times or only in convenience? * Do we stand by our family and loved ones in their hard seasons? * Are we willing to let others support us in our adversity, or do we isolate ourselves? * Who has been that friend for you? – Think of someone who has stood by you in difficult times. How have they shown the love described in this verse? Have you thanked them? * How do you respond in times of adversity? – Are you someone who offers support when a friend is struggling, or do you find yourself withdrawing? * Pray for the strength to be a faithful friend – Ask God to help you be someone who loves at all times and supports others in their hardships. This verse challenges us to be faithful friends and rely on God-given relationships for support. Related Bible Verses * John 15:13 – Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends. * Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 – Two are better than one... If either of them falls, one can help the other up. * Proverbs 18:24 – One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. NB: This DOES NOT mean tolerating harmful behaviour, allowing mistreatment, allowing someone to drain, manipulate or abuse you. Remember the bible also says love your neighbour as yourself. How are you going to love your neighbour as yourself if you don't love yourself? Mark 12:31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these. Verse Analysis Greek Word Study & Breakdown * The second is this (deutera haute estin, δευτέρα αὕτη ἐστίν) – The phrase refers to the second greatest commandment, following the first: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30). * Love (agapēseis, ἀγαπήσεις) Strong's Concordance G25– The verb agapáō means selfless, sacrificial love that seeks the best for others. It is not based on emotions but on deliberate action. * Your neighbour (ton plēsion sou, τὸν πλησίον σου) Strong's Concordance G4139 – The word plēsion means someone close by and, in the biblical context, refers to anyone you encounter, not just friends or family. * As yourself (hōs seauton, ὡς σεαυτόν) Strong's Concordance G4572 – This phrase means to care for others with the same concern you have for your own well-being. * No commandment greater (meizōn entolē allē ouk estin, μείζων ἐντολὴ ἄλλη οὐκ ἐστίν) – Jesus places these two commandments (love God and love others) above all others, showing that love is at the core of God’s law. Context & Interpretation Context in Mark 12 * A teacher of the law asks Jesus which commandment is the greatest (Mark 12:28). * Jesus responds with two commandments from the Old Testament: * Deuteronomy 6:5 – Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and strength. * Leviticus 19:18 – Love your neighbour as yourself. * By combining these, Jesus shows that true faith is not just about religious duty, but about love—both toward God and others. Meaning & Themes * Love as the Foundation of the Law – Every commandment in the Bible is rooted in love for God and love for people. * Love in Action – Loving others is not just about feelings but practical actions that reflect care, kindness, and justice. * Self-Love as a Basis – Jesus assumes that people naturally look after their own well-being, so He commands them to extend that same care to others. Application: How to Live This Verse * See others through God’s eyes – Love is not selective. We are called to love even those who are difficult(Matthew 5:44). * Express love through actions – Kindness, generosity, forgiveness, and service are ways to show love (1 John 3:18). * Balance self-care and love for others – Healthy self-love enables us to love others without resentment or burnout. Related Bible Verses * Matthew 22:39 – And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ * Luke 10:25-37 – The Parable of the Good Samaritan, which explains who our neighbor is. * 1 John 4:7-8 – Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Summary: A true friend does not withdraw when things are difficult. They are present in both hard times and joyful ones. Proverbs 17:17 emphasises unconditional love and loyalty in friendship, especially during adversity. While it encourages us to stand by our friends through tough seasons, it does not mean we should enable harmful behaviour or allow ourselves to be mistreated. Loving others begins with loving yourself in a healthy way. When you constantly pour into others without caring for your own mental and emotional well-being, it becomes difficult to sustain meaningful, loving relationships. Setting boundaries is one way to honour both yourself and your friends. Boundaries protect your mental health and help ensure that relationships remain respectful, balanced, and supportive. Mark 12:31 highlights the deep connection between love for God and love for others. True obedience to God is expressed through love in action, extending the same care and compassion to others that we offer ourselves. This verse invites us to live selflessly, serve with humility, and love with intention, just as Christ has loved us. True sacrificial love is not about running on empty or ignoring your own needs. It is about choosing to serve others from a place of genuine love, rather than obligation or guilt. 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