The Best Friend You Will Ever Have, Part 2

“This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. You are My friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you. You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you. This I command you, that you love one another.”  John 15:12-17

Although Jesus had every right to be addressed as “Master” or “Lord,” He chose a more intimate relationship - that of a Friend. Why? Because friends can relate on a personal and intimate level which cannot be achieved in a master/slave, lord/servant relationship.

Doesn’t it warm your heart to read Jesus’ own words where He says, “I chose you”? He chose you to be His friend. How have you responded to His choice?

You may recall a time when you wanted a person to be your friend. You tried everything to get them to notice you, to like you, to appreciate you. You wanted to hear them refer to you as their friend. But it never happened. Remember how you felt?

You rob Jesus and yourself of the potential joy found in a meaningful relationship as friends if you fail to respond to Him. What a wonderful offer - to be friends with Jesus Christ. Remember, He is described as a Friend Who sticks closer than a brother.

People are lonely because they build walls instead of bridges.