Good morning! How are we faithing this fine day? I'm reminded that we are fortunate to have friends who chastise us and inform us when we do stupid stuff. At first we may baulk at the at the rebuking but it is important to listen and consider our friends rebuke. They ain't always right but they surely ain't always wrong either. I have some friends that do things that just tick me off but they are a friend so I must be loyal even if I disagree. I don't have to like what they did and I can even rebuke them but they still are my friend. Yes there are friend ending actions that happen but those are hardly normal. Friendship is important in this life and in the body of the church. You cannot survive as a loner. That whole concept is anathema to the scriptures. Yes you can enjoy time alone but it is not how we are made to be totally alone. Why do you think solitary confinement works as a deterrent? Point is to remember and cultivate friendships that are trustworthy and loyal. Someone who will tell you the truth even if it hurts. Someone who'll shake things up so you recognize bad behavior. Someone who keeps us focused and grounded.

Prov 27:17
Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.
KJV

Heb 10:24-25
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
NIV

Isa 35:3-4
Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; say to those with fearful hearts,"Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you."
NIV

Prov 27:9
Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart,and the pleasantness of one's friend springs from his earnest counsel.
NIV

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your teachings. Thank you for friends that stand by us even when we goof up. Lord I ask for forgiveness for dropping the ball when I should be brave and pick it up. Lord we lift those hurting and those who are anxious. Heal those who are weak and those who are suffering and we thank you for your presence in out lives in Jesus' name, amen