Relationships
«A friend loves all the times, and a brother is born for adversity» (Proverbs 17: 17).
Clive Stapes Lewis (1898-1963), the Irish essayist, novelist, literary critic, and author of The Chronicles of Narnia, among other famous works, left his studies at Oxford University to enroll in the British Army and defend Great Britain against the German invasion. On the day he turned eighteen, he arrived at Somme (France). There, he was posted at the high-risk trench warfare. Beside him was Paddy Moore, a good friend who had followed in Clive’s footsteps. In such circumstances, both young men promised each other that, if one of them died and the other survived, the survivor would take care of their respective parents (Clive’s father was a widower who had lost his wife when the boy was eight, and Paddy’s mother was divorced). Both youngsters were severely wounded on the battlefield. Clive was hit by a British shell which fell short of its target. After a long convalescence, he finally recovered. Paddy’s fate was different. He got hurt by the enemy artillery and soon died. His body was never repatriated and was left buried in the south of Péronne (France). So, Clive took care of his friend’s mother and older sister. The care and friendship between the two families lasted for decades because Clive kept his promise.
Today’s text reminds us that true friendship should not only exist during good times, but at all times, especially in hardship. True friendship is one of the most wonderful ministries a believer can perform. Relationships based on mutual support are the real and true social interactions that the Scriptures suggest.
It is said that Socrates once asked an old man:
«What are you deeply grateful for?» To which the old man answered:
«For as human as I am, I have the friends I have.»
You don’t have to be perfect to offer help to a friend or to receive his support when you need it. Today, think about the opportunities you have to give someone a hand. And if it is you who is in need, allow others to lend you a helping hand, because the Lord uses others to assist you when you need it.
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Taken from: Daily Devotions for Junior 2020
“A Cheerful Heart Is Good Medicine”
From: Julian Melgoza-Laura Fidanza
Colaboradores:Ricardo Vela & Emmanuel Tapia
