Proverbs 17:14-19

Where shall we find such a friend? He that redeems from slavery, and delivers from bondage, is such a friend - but Jesus does this. He that restores to the favour of the judge who condemned, or the Lord who delivered over to bondage, is such a friend - but Jesus does this.

He that admits to intimacy with himself, out of pure love, notwithstanding disparity of condition, is such a friend - but Jesus does this. He who counsels in trouble, and gives the best advice in perplexity, is such...

The friendship of Jesus is a theme that evokes a warm response in the hearts of His people everywhere. When He was on earth, He was derided as "a friend of publicans and sinners" (Matthew 11:19), but Christians have taken the taunt and converted it to a title of honor.

Before going to the cross, our Lord called His disciples "friends." "Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant...