“…I have called you friends…” (John 15:15).
I try to be “friendly” with everyone, but I must admit it’s a challenge with some people. Most (if not all of us) don’t like rude, immoral, arrogant, know-it-all, individuals who are selfish—self-serving and live a life that is all about them. Personally, I try my best to avoid them like the plague.
Our friendships are at different levels, aren’t they? We have those “closer” friends, but we also have many “casual” friendships. I’ve noticed that the level of our friendships can and do change throughout the years. Our interests change and the depth of our friendships change. That’s normal.
There is one friend of mine you’ve got to meet. If you are a born-again believer, you already have. Every Christian should know that Jesus Christ has called you His friend . Wow! Is that amazing? Does that make you feel special? Pause and absorb that truth. Think about who YOU are and who HE
is. The creator of all things calls me His friend. “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: ALL THINGS WERE CREATED BY HIM, AND FOR HIM:” (Colossians 1:16).
Let that sink in today. Jesus Christ, the creator, is your friend! I have not earned His friendship. It’s not that I’m worthy or deserving of His friendship. Jesus did not say, “Wow that’s Forrest…I think I want to be his friend.” Come on! Do any of us deserve to be called the friend of Jesus?
Jesus is our friend because He is the personification of mercy, grace, love, and forgiveness. Holy and righteous God has reached down to sinful man (me) through Jesus Christ. “For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life” (Romans 5:10).
I am the friend of Jesus. How about you?