Friends with Jesus and each other
January 8, 2009 (Friday)
As Jesus walked from the upper room with His disciples, he taught them and encouraged them. He said to them, “You are my friends.”
As we journey through life, we meet many people. Some of these become acquaintances, others become friends. A few of those people become our close friends. People within that group become our best friends.
I have a feeling Jesus considered His disciples His best friends, and they certainly considered Him their best friend. What do friends do?
Friends help out. When you find yourself in trouble or in need, your friends willingly and gladly stand by your side and help. Jesus has met our greatest need, eternal salvation.
Friends stick together. Once we have a best friend, we are friends forever. We are friends no matter what happens. Christ is that kind of friend to us. He said, “All whom have been given to me by my Father are mine, and no one shall pluck them from my hand.”
Friends set the right example. Our closeness means that we influence each other. Living for Christ, then, is especially important if we really and truly love our friends. We are encouraged to have “the mind of Christ,” who humbled Himself to provide redemption for us.
Friends want the best for each other. We want those we love to be happy, and therefore we want them to be close to Christ, because He promises a full and abundant life of joy and peace. Jesus wants the very best for us.
“What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear.” He said we will show ourselves to be His friends by our obedience to Him as our Lord. What a privilege to be His friends. What an honor to know He is our friend.