Sometimes – oh sometimes what we most need in this difficult world is a friend, someone who’s encouragement is constant who won’t coddle us, but won’t let us be beaten up either. May I share an example of what I mean?

It was a warm summer afternoon. Tom was out on the back patio of his Las Vegas home when he heard shouting and angry voices from inside the house. As he entered, he saw one of his teenage sons pitting his stubborn will against the determined correction of his mother. Tom’s desire was to calm the situation and reconcile his loved ones. But within minutes he was drawn into the melee shouting worse than the other two. Well, it wasn’t long before mother and son stormed out in opposite directions, leaving Tom standing there.

Aw, he felt terrible. He returned to the patio; shame and guilt washed over him. He had only wanted to help, but instead he’d made the situation worse. Right there on the patio, Tom knelt down and began to pray - praying for forgiveness, acknowledging his pride and his unbecoming behavior, and asking that peace and a healing spirit be poured out upon his wife and son.

And then it happened. It was as clear as if it were audibly spoken. A voice out of eternity echoed in Tom’s mind. “Father, Tom has done it again!” But he wants to do good. For Me, please grant the petitions of his prayer.”

Tom said, “I marveled. It was so personal. With countless people on the earth, the Father and the Savior were attentive to me in that moment. I knew with certainty the Master had somehow reached into that infinite reserve He had earned in Gethsemane and paid the price that unalterable justice required. And I was free of pain of heart.”

Now the sense of their forgiveness was real and soothing for Tom. Within a few minutes that same spirit moved upon his wife and son. They came together; apologies were shared and a healing was affected. Harmony and peace were restored once more to their home.

Oh, my friends, the Savior is our advocate and our truest of friends. If we will let Him, He will not only stand between us and justice, but also between us and a world that seeks to bully and destroy us. Even our own weaknesses and fears will eventually give way to the power of our omnipotent friend. Thank God for the gift of His son, the gift of the truest of friends.