"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."
John 15:14-15 NIV
This Got My Attention How many people dream of having a very rich and very generous personal friend? Those who do what Jesus commands have just that. The Creator of the entire universe calls us friends. That’s simply incredible! Someone that powerful, rich, famous, and generous is personal friends with me? A Simple Point and Good Advice However, there is one condition (if) in this verse that we need to observe: “...if you do what He commands” (vs 14). The Truth Jesus came to seek and to save the lost (Luke 19:10). Anyone who is a genuine friend will warn others of their impending doom. One way to be a friend is to share our faith in Christ with others. Another way to be a friend is to “simply” love others. Loving others who love us back is easy. But loving our enemy and the unlovable takes a Christ-like love. John 13:34-35 says, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Rewarding When we think less of ourselves and more of others (Phil. 2:3-4), we not only become a blessing to others but many times the kindness is returned to us. Ways to Apply it One way to be a friend of God (obey His commands) and have His friendship is to BE a friend to others. Practical ways to BE a friend to others:
Call a friend (Be Intentional)
Go see a friend (Be Available)
Meet a friend for lunch (Be Present)
Listen to a friend going through a struggle (Be Present)
Share your own struggles with a friend (Be Transparent)
For Example Once a year I plan to get away with a few friends from my college days. The nine of us met while in college and have been getting together once a year for the last 22 years. It’s a great weekend to not only renew and refresh myself, but also to encourage others, and pray for each of them. The ones that outlive me will be my pallbearers.
True Friendships.
Paul Hopp MD5 Facilitator