When Friends Let You Down

The Bible tells us that in his darkest hours, Jesus fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will” (Matthew 26:39). He was suffering indescribable emotional distress as he contemplated his coming death. 

During this time he came to the disciples having instructed them earlier to enter into prayer, but he found them sleeping. He asked them, “So, could you not watch with me one hour?” (vs. 40). This happened more than once. When Jesus needed friends to be in prayer he found them asleep instead. Despite this, Jesus didn’t grow angry and become embittered against them (Peter would soon deny that even knew Jesus!). He loved them anyway understanding that people are weak. 

Friends, be like Jesus. 

You’ll go through hard times in life. There will be times when more than ever you’ll need a friend or two, but you’ll find them sleeping instead. Love them and forgive them anyway. Consider also that if you’d examine your own life, you may find that when others needed you, you too were asleep. 

“Love is not resentful” (1 Cor. 13:5). “Love covers a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8) 

Be like Jesus.