FRIENDSHIP IS POWERFUL

“Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.”—John 15:13

Friends are an important part of our society and culture.  At a young age, we formed friendships and usually had someone we could call our “best friend” with whom we shared our dreams, secrets and had a lot of fun with.  As we grow older, new friendships emerge and we connect with friendly “acquaintances,” and a few become connected to us as good friends with shared interest.  

Levels of friendship seem to develop within the diversity of those we call friends.  This could be due to distances, personal interest changes, children, marriage or any number-of-things seem to influence our friendships.  I once heard someone say, "A friend is a gift we give ourselves," and when you find a good one, you will want to keep him/her forever. Of course, as with any gift, you must treat it with care and respect, and he/she will return the favor.

Sherri Curry wrote, “Too often the I-can-handle-it-myself society we live in seems to promote loneliness rather than friendship.  Friends are an important part of sharing the burden and worry of each day.”  Long before social media made it popular to be called a friend, Jesus called us His friends (John 15:14). 

Our friendship with Jesus is powerful.  He rescued us (Ephesians 2:4-5), restored us into relationship (Ephesians 2: 13-14), He is a faithful friend (2 Timothy 2:13), and He is a good listener (Hebrews 4:16), just to name a few things that make our friendship with Him powerful.  Today consider what are some of the things that make your friendship with others powerful?  Are you loyal, trustworthy, a good listener?  People need good friends.  Determine today to become the best friend that you can.

Prayer—Father thank you that Jesus is my friend, and I ask you to help me become the best friend that I can be, in Jesus Name. Amen.