A sincere friend is he who, in times of temptation, shares the sorrows, needs, and calamities that each occasion brings to his neighbor, as if they were his own, in a quiet and peaceful manner.
“Faithful friend, strong thought” (Soph. Ser. 6.14), because even in the welfare of the friend he is a good counselor and a wholehearted supporter, and in his misfortune a true helper and defender who sympathizes completely.
Only those who faithfully observe the commandments of God, do not forsake friends who are tempted by God’s concession. But the despisers of the commandments, when the friend prospers, they enjoy with him, while, when he is afflicted by temptations, they abandon him. Sometimes they even ally with his enemies.
Saint Maximus the Confessor