Friendship End Times?
Theme for this Week: Building Relationships to Last
James Osterhaus
Thursday, May 2, 2002
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Friendship End Times?
Theme for this Week: Building Relationships to Last
Thursday, May 2
Key Bible Verse: Never abandon a friend—either yours or your father's (Proverbs 27:10). Bonus Reading:Proverbs 17:17
Malcolm Smith, a Bible teacher, appeared on TV, was heard on radio, and conducted seminars in many churches. But then, his study of the Scriptures led Malcolm to shift his position on when Christ would return and how surrounding events would unfold.
Although none of his strongly held evangelical basic doctrines were disrupted, the result was devastating. Churches dropped support. Appearances were canceled. People who'd supported him for years called with angry denunciations. Other friends drifted away.
During this furor, George and Karen Jackson, a couple he'd known since the beginning of his ministry, called on him. Malcolm braced himself for yet another barrage.
"Malcolm," George began, "my wife and I want you to know that we disagree with your new position. But we also want you to know that we're your friends. So we've decided to stick by you and continue to support you. We know you truly love God and seek to do what's right. So we're sure that however you arrived at your new position, you did it with integrity."
A speechless Malcolm embraced his sobbing friends.
—James Osterhaus in Bonds of Iron
My Response: Have I built a friendship strong enough to survive disagreement?
Thought to Apply: A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out.
—Walter Winchell (journalist and commentator, 20th century)
Adapted from: Bonds of Iron (Moody Press, Moody Bible Institute, 1994).
Copyright © 2002 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine.
Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.
May/June 2002,Vol. 5,No. 3
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Enable me, Lord, to forge human relationships that mirror Your faithfulness.
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