You are my friend

12 Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. (Colossians 3:12-13)

Jesus called his apostles friends (John 15:15). They were no longer slaves or, better phrased, bondservants; they were Jesus’ friends. Christ taught the apostles about true love, compassion, and humility. He taught them how to be true friends and to support one another with patience, meekness, and humility.

Do you have a friend like this? To have a friend like this is a rare and precious thing, a blessing from God. Are you a friend like this? If God called you home, would there be at least one person who would speak about you this way?

Some people are great philanthropists, giving away large sums of money and time to help others. That is indeed something special. Yet, I would argue that the value of a true friend surpasses all material wealth. I would rather have one person speaking about me saying, 'He was my friend, and he was a true friend.'

Being a friend, like Jesus taught, is easier than finding one. Although God knows we need at least one friend like this, He often makes sure that happens. It does not matter how many “friends” you have. Quality is never necessary in today’s competitive social media societies, friends, and the following atmosphere. It is all about volume. How many friends or followers do you have? It is such foolishness.

When people know you, see where you are with God, how God has changed you, and how you reflect Christ by your actions, they know they can trust you as a friend.

Jesus knew He could trust his disciples and His friends, even though Jesus knew one would betray him and one would deny him. Both events were necessary to accomplish Christ’s mission. They had been through much together. Jesus lovingly taught them much, and the light of God filled their lives because they were with Jesus. Despite denial and fear, the apostles were Jesus’ friends.

Do you have a friend like this? Are you a friend like this? How will they speak of you when God calls you home? It may be tonight, tomorrow, or years from now, but ask yourself, how will they speak about me? What will they say? It's a responsibility we all carry to be friends like Jesus taught.

Have you told someone you are my friend and God blessed me when he placed you in my life? Besides my best friend, my wife, I am blessed because I have three brothers in Christ whom I know I can depend on. They reflect Christ, have taught me much, and are a blessing in my life. I pray that you are blessed in this way. If God has not blessed you this way, ask yourself, would I want me as a friend? Be honest with yourself because God already knows your heart. When we love like Christ, that love is returned to us threefold. We continue to be blessed and feel grateful for the true friends God has placed in our lives.

Love like Christ, and you will feel the love of Christ returned to you. It is a feeling that only Christ can bring you.

Grace and Peace!