An Amazing Fact: French angelfish are completely devoted to their partners and mate for life. They are found in the warm tropical parts of the Atlantic Ocean and spend all of their time together—traveling, hunting, sleeping, and protecting their territory. Mature French angelfish are rarely seen alone. If they are, their mate has likely died. They do not “remarry.”


Swans are another species that will keep their mates for life. There have been occasional reports of swans “separating,” but only when there has been a nesting failure or loss of young. Perhaps their strong commitment to each other is why pictures of swans conjure up images of romance. On the other hand, the black vulture might not seem like a romantic bird, but it is one of the most faithful animals in the entire animal kingdom. They are so intolerant of “infidelity” that they have been observed attacking other vultures that were unfaithful to their partners!

The PDSA organization (UK) gives certificates to animals for bravery and devotion. Toby, a black Labrador Retriever, was stabbed four times in the chest and legs by an armed burglar in April 2009 in Lancashire. He successfully chased the burglar off the property. Wicker, a pet German Shepherd, aided his owner’s son by fetching help when the boy had an epileptic seizure. Dotty, a donkey, helped her stable mate (a sheep) when it was attacked by a Pit Bull. And Piper, a Labrador Retriever guide dog, defended his blind owner who was attacked and then safely walked his injured owner home. What devotion!

The Bible says, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity” (Proverbs 17:17). We can learn much from our animal friends, but our greatest example is found in Jesus Christ, who was made “like His brethren” and declared, “For whoever does the will of God is My brother and My sister and mother” (Hebrews 2:17; Mark 3:35).

Jesus, the divine Son of God, was truly a friend who sticks closer than a brother when He gave His very life on Calvary for you. When you face the enemy today, know that there is a Friend who stands beside you and will never leave you alone.

KEY BIBLE TEXTS
A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24