CWW Week 40 - Loyalty - Day 5

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Devotions, Loyalty

Devotional Title: “A Friend at All Times”

Scripture Focus:
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 (NIV)

Loyalty is not loud. It does not seek the spotlight or demand recognition. It walks quietly alongside others, especially when life is hard. Proverbs 17:17 reminds us of the beauty and depth of true friendship—“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” This isn’t a casual connection. It speaks of a love that remains when others walk away. It is loyalty in its purest form.

The verse tells us that real friendship and brotherhood are not tested in good times, but in seasons of adversity. It’s easy to be kind when life is calm, when there are no conflicts, and everyone is smiling. But true loyalty shows up when things get messy—when sickness, sorrow, or struggle settle in. In those moments, a loyal friend becomes a gift from God.

God designed us to live in community, to support one another, and to bear each other’s burdens. Loyalty is part of His character—it’s how He relates to us. His love is steadfast and unchanging, not based on our performance or perfection. When we reflect that same kind of faithfulness to others, we are mirroring His heart.

This doesn’t mean loyalty is easy. Being a faithful friend or family member in times of trouble can be uncomfortable and inconvenient. It often requires selflessness, patience, and forgiveness. But it’s in these very moments that we reveal the depth of our commitment and the sincerity of our love.

When Proverbs speaks of a friend who loves “at all times,” it includes the times when someone is at their worst, not just their best. It includes moments when someone doesn’t have answers, when they are grieving, or when they’ve made mistakes. Loyalty does not condone sin, but it doesn’t abandon people either. It stays close while still pointing to what is right.

And what about the second half of the verse? “A brother is born for a time of adversity.” This suggests that relationships are not accidental—they are divinely appointed. The people God places in our lives are often there for specific seasons. Some of them, like brothers and sisters in faith, are meant to walk with us during the darkest valleys. That’s when spiritual family steps up—not out of duty, but out of love.

Jesus modelled this perfectly. He was loyal to His disciples even when they failed Him. He called them friends. He stood by them, corrected them, and ultimately gave His life for them. That is the standard of loyalty we are invited into—not merely standing with others in comfort, but walking with them through the cross-shaped parts of life.

In a time when loyalty is often conditional and fleeting, this kind of biblical friendship stands out. People are longing for relationships that go beyond surface-level interactions. When we are loyal in love, especially during adversity, we become witnesses of God’s character. We become safe places for others to heal, grow, and find strength.

But loyalty is not only about what we give; it’s also about what we receive. Have you allowed others to be loyal to you? Have you welcomed people into your struggles, or are you trying to carry the weight alone? Loyalty is a two-way street. Sometimes, being loyal means being vulnerable enough to receive someone else’s love in hard times.

Let us be people who love at all times—not perfectly, but faithfully. May we be the kind of friend who shows up, stands firm, and stays true—not for our own reputation, but for the glory of God.

Reflection Questions:

  1. Who in your life needs to know you’re with them—not just when it’s easy, but especially when life is hard?
  2. Have you set conditions on your loyalty that God may be asking you to surrender?
  3. What steps can you take to become a more dependable, Christlike friend this week?

Prayer:

Dear Lord, Papa God,
Thank You for showing us what true loyalty looks like through Your unwavering love. Help us to love others not just in words, but with our actions—especially in times of adversity. Make us into people who reflect Your faithfulness in our friendships, our families, and our spiritual community. Teach us to show up when it’s hard, to forgive when it’s necessary, and to remain when others would walk away. And Lord, remind us that even when we feel alone, You are the Friend who never leaves.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

Have a great day today with Jesus.

Graham Hood.

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