The meaning of loyalty is a strong show of support for those whom we love or to those who have shown loyalty to us.
Because of the loss of gratefulness as a concept in our culture, along with that loss comes the loss of loyalty.
Loyalty is not something we say, it is a lifestyle of gratitude.
How can we be loyal to those we have no respect for or those we do not value.
If we cannot value others, we cannot be loyal, if we cannot value or be loyal to others around us, then it is very unlikely we will ever be loyal to God.
Proverbs 21:21
"21 He who pursues righteousness and loyalty
Finds life, righteousness and honor."
Proverbs 3:1-3
The Rewards of Wisdom
"3 My son, do not forget my [a]teaching,
But let your heart keep my commandments;
2 For length of days and years of life
And peace they will add to you.
3 Do not let kindness and truth leave you;
Bind them around your neck,
Write them on the tablet of your heart."
Hosea 6:6
"6 For I delight in loyalty rather than sacrifice,
And in the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings."
Loyalty to a friend can take many forms. To be there for a friend in need of encouragement, help or defense against oppressors are some of the ways a person can be loyal. Loyalty is not words, it's action that demonstrates great love.
Loyalty does not mean that we agree with everything a friend does, but that we have their best interest at heart. If we are a loyal friend we will spare our friend the pitfalls of their potentially wrong choices by telling them the truth.
Proverbs 27:5-7 "…5 Better is open rebuke Than love that is concealed. 6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But deceitful are the kisses of an enemy. 7 A sated man loathes honey, But to a famished man any bitter thing is sweet.…"
Loyalty is not defending a friend when they have done something wrong, it is rebuke, correction and attempts to convince them of what is right, to bring them back to righteousness, or understanding when perhaps they may not understand the consequences of what they do.
In other words, loyalty is about helping one another through all the things in life as well as sharing in their joys.
If a friend shows no interest in your joys, acting jealous or uncomfortable, while diminishing them, then perhaps they are not friends at all. Friends share all the feelings, hurts and joys alike as we walk through life together.
Romans 12:15
"15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep."
Jesus Christ is that true friend for every believer, He understands us perfectly and is the One we can depend on completely. Praise God that He provided a way of salvation for us as well as stand with us every single day to be our guide and our help.
