Sunday 26 June 2022

Friends

 

"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 15:15

I believe Jesus here is saying this to all of us, because all of us have heard and hopefully accepted His teachings that came from God, His Father.

But what does He mean by "friends".

My dictionary describes "friend" as: a person with whom one has a bond of mutual affection, typically one exclusive of sexual or family relations.

This description is important - a bond of mutual affection; mutual trust, mutual understanding and caring. A friend is someone who would do anything for you if he possibly can.

Often one hears married people describing their spouse as a friend. This is more than just a sexual partner, a parent to one's children, or a companion in life. To describe your spouse as a friend means that that person really cares for you, and your well-being. That that person will confide in you and you in them. That you trust each other above all else.

This is what Jesus is offering here. 

Perhaps we don't understand the full meaning of what He is saying. Jesus is offering His friendship; meaning that we can fully trust Him to take care of us whatever the circumstances. We can confide in Him and be certain of the outcome of His love for us and His caring.

Can we honestly say that we accept this friendship in its full meaning and implications? Or is our friendship reciprocated with conditions and provisos? Do we truly trust Him without a shadow of a doubt that He will see us through whatever life throws at us? Or do we trust Him with a safety net ... just in case? Do we trust Him, but yet wonder or harbour a doubt that He will respond to our needs?

There are no two ways about it. Jesus is offering His friendship because we have heard and accepted the Word of God, His Father.

The ball is in our court now. We need to decide. Because sooner or later He will ask: Why have you doubted Me?

25 comments:

  1. Friends prevent isolation and loneliness and give you
    a chance to offer needed companionship, too...
    Friends can also increase your sense of belonging and
    purpose..
    Boost your happiness and reduce your stress...!

    And Friends bring more happiness into our lives
    than virtually anything else..
    Friendships have a huge impact on your mental
    health and happiness..
    Good friends relieve stress, provide comfort and joy,
    and prevent loneliness and isolation....!

    So remember...God's 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."
    ❤️🙏❤️🙏❤️🙏❤️🙏❤️ 🙏❤️🙏❤️🙏❤️🙏

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wonderful sentiments, Willie. Thank you so much.

      God bless you always.

      Delete
  2. ...you can never have too many friends!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I had an earthly BEST FRIEND, he is gone and I miss him terribly. My wife is also my BEST friend here on earth. I know what a friend is. I am amazed He accepts me as a friend. I want to be truly His friend. Well written my friend. Please continue to pray.. We remember you also. ;-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are so right. Earthly friends are so precious.

      Whenever we try to be Christ's friends, somehow we don't measure up. We always hesitate a little and doubts cloud our minds. I am sure He understands.

      Thank you for your much needed prayers, Jack. I sure appreciate them. I am praying for you and your family.

      God bless you all always.

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  4. Dearest Victor,
    Yes, we will come to stand face to face with him and have to answer many things in the end.
    We better be serious and go for it!
    Hugs,
    Mariette

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    Replies
    1. I hope and pray that He will understand our weaknesses when we stand before Him. Doubts can be so debilitating.

      God bless you and Pieter, Mariette.

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  5. I love that verse from John, and the accompanying illustration. My true friends are few, and all the more precious for being so. What an honor to count my Savior as a friend!
    Blessings; I hope you are well, my friend.

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    Replies
    1. Yes, it is an honour from Jesus to offer us true friendship. So sad not many take up the offer.

      Best wishes dear friend. Keep smiling, and praying. God bless y'all.

      Delete
  6. Friends are important, you need them.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I'd like to think that Jesus is all-inclusive and offers his friendship to ALL-not just those people who have accepted the word of God.

    Of course, someone who hasn't accepted God will ignore the offer of friendship, but I'd like to think it's still there.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. True, the offer is open to all but not many take it up.

      God bless, Kathy.

      Delete
  8. What an honor and privilege to be able to call Jesus our Friend,
    but awesome that He calls us Friend. :)

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    Replies
    1. Indeed, an honour and privilege. God bless, Happyone.

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  9. It's good to have friends ...
    Happy Sunday Victor.

    All the best Jan

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    Replies
    1. Best wishes to you and yours, Jan. Praying you are all well.

      God bless.

      Delete
  10. Hi Victor, I find Jesus is my best friend, truly in the Spirit. I feel as if He is more real than anyone on this earth. My best friend physically on this earth is my lovely husband. God bless.

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  11. "Do we trust Him, but yet wonder or harbour a doubt that He will respond to our needs?"

    I think this gets easier with time and experience, remembering all the ways He has been faithful.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Indeed Anonymous. You are so right.

      God bless you and yours.

      Delete
  12. Danny is my best friend here on earth. Yes, I do trust completely that Jesus honors our friendship with Him and will always be there for us.
    Blessings, Victor!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are right, Martha. And yet, many amongst us hesitate at times that God will respond to our prayers.

      God bless you and your family.

      Delete

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