Adversity,
something to think about...
- by E. R. Harding, 9/96
Adversity is at best, uncomfortable and few people purposely
look for it. Proverbs 17:17 gives us an interesting slant concerning
adversity, friendship, and brotherhood. It says, “A friend
loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity”.
I have often pondered these words and wondered about their meaning.
‘Friendship’ is a wonderful thing, but, ‘brotherhood’ should be a much
higher plane. So why, in this scripture, does it seem that friendship
is given the nod over brotherhood? Perhaps, if we look at the positive
effects of adversity, this is not the case. As we work to fellowship
gain a friend that friendship is delicate. Meaning we go out of our
way not to disagree with or offend a new friend or we may loose them.
As friendship matures with experience it can grow into brotherhood
or sisterhood. Meaning that we may become so close to a friend that
they become more like a brother or sister. As this happens we may
seem to become less tolerant, in some ways, of our brother or sister.
We may also find it easier to express different opinions and even criticize.
This is, however, a sign of a stronger relationship than what we shared
as just friends. We can chance these emotions and disagreements because
our relationship has become strong enough to weather ‘adversity’.
We have more confidence that we can be ourselves and without ruining our
relationship with the other person. Friendship should grow into brotherhood
if it continues to progress. Adversity is part of this growth.
My younger brother and I fought like cats and dogs when we were young.
Now we would die for each other. Adversity made our relationship
strong. Would you willingly suffer or even die for a friend?
Some people might, most of us would not. Would you die for your brother?
Many people would. Adversity is the glue that bonds our souls together
in brotherhood and sisterhood for eternity. Friendship is the just
beginning of eternal bond.
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