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8th October 2024
TuesdayReflection
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'Norbert Link'
'Lead Writer for The Church of the Eternal God
(in the United States')
Would you please explain Proverbs 27:10?
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Proverbs 27:10 reads:
Do not forget your friends or your father's friends. If you are in trouble, don't ask a relative for help; a nearby neighbour can help you more than relatives who are far away.
This statement could be easily misunderstood if we do not read the passage carefully.
First of all, we must understand that Proverb 27:10 does not address "spiritual" brothers and sisters, but physical "brothers."
A friend is more likely to help and sympathize with you than even your own brother, for a friend is born for adversity, and there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother ...
The mere blood relationship, which is the result of circumstances over which one has had no control, is inferior to the affectionate connection which arises from moral considerations and is the effect of deliberate choice.
There was little love between David's sons; and Jonathan was far dearer to David himself than any of his numerous brothers were.
The understanding that the "near" neighbour and the "far away" brother include not only physical locality and distance, but also, and most importantly, spiritual and mental closeness or the lack thereof.
"Joseph found more kindness with strangers than with his brethren ...
A neighbour near in heart, as well as in loyalty, is better than a brother as far off in love as he is in distance."
One of the most obvious applications regarding true friendship and brotherhood by blood can be seen in the life of Jesus.
His brothers did not believe in Him (John 7:5), and they tried, at least once, to prevent Him from teaching God's Word and to actually seize Him, because they thought that He was mad and "out of His mind"
On the other hand, His disciples - the early Apostles - showed Him love and loyalty, generally speaking; especially Peter and John.
But even they forsook Him in His time of need, prior to their conversion, showing that only the indwelling Holy Spirit can give us true godly love and establish lasting friendships.
True friendship is not to be judged (merely) by blood relationship, but by spiritual closeness and reliability of character.
In this world, not too many close family relationships exist.
Throughout man's existence, we read about strife and fight between brothers.
In addition to the examples mentioned so far, we might think of Cain who slew his brother Abel and the animosity between the twin brothers Jacob and Esau.
We might also remember the parable of the "lost son" and the hostile reaction of the elder son when his younger brother repented
The Bible warns that in these end times, there would be friction and animosity in human families, especially due to the fact that some will understand and live by the truth, while others will oppose it.
Jesus made very clear as to who His true brothers and sisters were.
When His half-brothers were trying to "speak" with Him, "He answered and said to the one who told Him, 'Who is My mother and who are My brothers?'
And He stretched out His hand toward His disciples and said, 'Here are My mother and My brothers!
For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother'".
This would include blood brothers who do the will of God.
And so, the Bible speaks of blood brothers who were or became true friends.
We read for instance of the early apostles and blood-brothers James and John, as well as Peter and Andrew.
Also, Christ's half-brothers would have become TRUE friends towards each other AND, most importantly, of Jesus, after his resurrection, continuing "with one accord in prayer and supplication".
If we want to be true Christians, then we must be true friends and true (spiritual) brothers and sisters of Jesus and towards each other.
Then, we will be nearby "neighbours" in times of need; sticking closer to each other than (unconverted) physical blood-brothers would do.
As true friends, we will love at all times and as true spiritual brethren, we are "born" to help each other in adversity.
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This is an edited version.
The full article and Bible references are avaiable on request
'The Church of the Eternal God'
(in the United States-with its operations in Europe), and the Global Church of God (United Kingdom) coexist to fulfill the Work given to the Church Jesus Christ sustains.
It is through the fruit of unity in God's Holy Spirit that we strive to be of one mind in both purpose and practice.
Norbert Link
(born, 1953) is an Evangelist who serves in the Church of the Eternal God and its affiliates.
He is also spokesman for the Church sponsored video programs:
Additionally, Norbert is the author of dozens of doctrinal publications ranging from comprehensive booklets to extensive question & answer presentations.
Norbert grew up and was educated in his native Germany.
His professional training in the legal field and his calling into the Worldwide Church of God led him to serve as an attorney for the Church at its headquarters, located in Pasadena, California.
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