What Are Friends For?

Scripture – John 15:14-17: You are my friends if you do what I command. 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. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. This is my command: Love each other.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Jesus calls us friends. That is one of the unique aspects of Christian faith. In Christ, I have a personal relationship with God. He’s not some nebulous figure far off somewhere. He is my friend. While I serve Him, it’s not always in blind faith. He reveals much of His business to me. In fact, in Christ God is revealing Himself totally. In Christ, He’s offering me all His resources and power. I still don’t comprehend all that. Nor do I fully avail myself of that. That’s one way of viewing the meaning of spiritual growth. I keep discovering the implications of Christ’s friendship in my life.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) Sometimes I tend to be a loner. That’s part of my personal nature. I have to remind myself there are other people – friends – who are glad to help me out. I will call on some of them today. I will ask for help when I need it. I will also be a friend – giving what I can to someone else.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, please walk with me today in such a way that I can feel your friendship. There are some personal things I keep trying to handle myself. Teach me how to utilize the friendship you’ve given me. Give me wisdom and courage this day.