Our Best Friend
My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit – fruit that will last – and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other.1
We know that our Savior is a great friend (John 15:15), but let's consider specific aspects of His relationship with us.
He is committed to us. This commitment is for more than one life, it is eternal. And although life will bring some disappointments, the Lord will never let us down.
He is responsive and transparent at all times. God will show us more about himself as we desire to know him better.
He is sensitive to our desires as well as our needs. He knows how to satisfy our deepest longings and lovingly invites us, again and again, to connect with Him.
An active listener. He doesn't interrupt, and his eyes are fixed on us so tenderly that his heart hears exactly what we're saying.
What kind of friend is Christ? John 15:13 answers that question: "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends." Because He gave Himself for all people, we, as His followers, can certainly offer our friendship to another person.
Suggested Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that in Christ I have a Friend. A friend who understands me, listens to me, always has time for me; an unconditional friend. Beloved Father, help me to be a friend to others. Help me to be an engaged, responsive, transparent, sensitive, and kind friend. I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.
1. John 15:12-17 (NIV).
Today's Encounter was written by: Rosina N.
All articles on this website are written by
Richard (Dick) Innes unless otherwise stated.