Always Keep The
Door Open
Proverbs 17:17
None of us have enough friends that we can
afford to lose even one needlessly. What shall we do when our friends, our
brothers and sisters in the grace of God, fall into sin? What shall we do when they
behave peevishly? What shall we do when they get upset with us and say and do
things in anger that hurt, offend and separate? What shall we do? Always keep
the door open for them to return. "A friend loveth at all times, and a
brother is born for adversity." A friend loves, even when he receives no
love in return. A brother is loyal even when adversity strains his relationship
with his brother. A friend always keeps the door open for his friend. A brother
always keeps the door open for a brother.
Recently I saw a man whom I esteem to be
both my brother and my friend. Several years ago, he wrote me a couple of sharp
letters and requested not to hear from me again. We have not corresponded or
seen one another since until recently,much to my
sorrow. When I saw him, I picked him out of the crowd, greeted him with a warm
hug, and tried to bring him into the door of fellowship in Christ with me, not
by reminding him of differences, but by warm, pleasant conversation. He may not
miss my fellowship, but I miss his and need it. I pray that the Lord will unite
us again. If he gives me grace, I intend to keep the door open, so that my
friend and brother can walk through it at anytime. Apologies are neither needed
nor wanted - just my friend!
I have another friend who has been miffed
with me for months. Why? I have absolutely no idea! He persistently resists
every effort to break down the barrier he has built. But I cannot afford to
lose him. God helping me, I intend to keep the door open, so that when my friend
gets the adversities of his life in perspective he can walk though it - I need
him! He is my brother and friend.
Perhaps these personal illustrations will
help you to keep the door open for your friends. When they transgress, cover
their transgressions. "He that covereth a transgression seeketh
love." When they offend, forgive them. When they fall, help them up. When
they need you, be there! Always keep the door open. "A friend loveth at
all times, and a brother is born for adversity."
Don Fortner