Where to find scriptural help, when friends fail:
Psalm 41:9-13
Even my close friend, whom I trusted, he who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.
But you, O Lord, have mercy on me; raise me up, that I may repay them, I know that you are pleased with me, for my enemy does not triumph over me.
In my integrity you uphold me and set me in your presence for ever.
Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Amen and Amen.
Luke 17:3-4
So watch yourselves. “If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, ‘I repent,’ forgive him.”
Romans 12: 14, 17, 19, 21
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.
Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,: says the Lord.”
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
2 Timothy 4:16-18
At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
PRAYER:
Lord Jesus, people befriend us for many reasons. Some like to be seen with us. Some are looking for some benefit from us. Some are looking for our praise. When we don’t give them what they wish, they desert us, and it breaks our hearts. You know this well because you also were forsaken by your friends. But you came to this earth not to be served, but to serve and to give your life as a ransom for us. You came to befriend us and to give yourself for us. Your love is so great, we know you will not desert us because you paid too high a price for us. Help us to remember your love, to find comfort in your love, and to find in you our only refuge. You are faithful. Your love endures forever. Amen.
