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Key Bible Verse: A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity (Proverbs 17:17).
Bonus Reading:

After we'd settled into a corner booth and ordered breakfast, Bill [Lane] looked at me and said, "I'm worried about you, Michael. This is the third young woman you've dated since we've known each other, and now you're breaking up again. I'm concerned about your ability to sustain a relationship." He knew how immature I was, but risked bringing it up it for my good.

"How can you say that to me!" I snapped back. "After all, you're divorced. At least I never did that!"

Bill grew quiet. "I worked at that relationship as hard as I could for as long as I could," he said, almost in tears. And there the discussion ended.

A few months before his death, I recalled the incident and asked his forgiveness. It was obvious from his response that he'd forgiven me long ago, although I could tell he still remembered the sting. All that remained, he said, was for me to forgive myself.

He was trying to instruct me about what it means to be a soul-friend, willing to endure the inevitable pain caused by being in relationship with another human being. Genuine friends always love, always forgive—and learn to rely on God's grace to make it possible.

—Michael Card in The Walk

Thank God that he uses you and other fallen people to care for each other.

We are fragile and fallen people. Often we hurt each other.

—Bill Lane (Michael Card's late Bible professor) Adapted from: The Walk (Nelson, 2000).

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Prayer for the Week

God, I need Your people to help me know You better. Give me courage to be honest and vulnerable.

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