Jesus is Essential
John 15:14–15: You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.
We are the friends of Jesus if we do whatsoever He has commanded us. Now He tells us that He has opened up His heart to us. God wants to reveal Himself to us. Remember how He searched out Abraham to reveal His plan to him because Abraham was His friend.
Now Jesus tells us that He has revealed the things of God to us. That is what a friend does. How many people can you go to and open up your heart? One of the things that should characterize a believer is that you could go to him and tell him your problems and get understanding and help and encouragement from him. This is how we are to love one another. 1
Walking with Jesus
What are the qualities that you appreciate the most in a true friend? Is it someone who listens and cares and comforts you? Is it someone who is willing to tell you the truth, even if it is not what you want to hear? Is it someone who is gracious, loving, and kind? Is it someone who has your best interest in mind? Have you allowed God to be that friend? Are you open and honest with Him? What kind of friend are you to God?
And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God. James 2:23
There is no better friendship in the world, than to be called a friend of God.
Praying
Lord, thank You for being a faithful and loyal friend, even when I was not much of a friend to You.
1. McGee, J. V. (1991). Thru the Bible commentary: The Gospels (John 11-21) (electronic ed., Vol. 39). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
