No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.  

- John 15:15

Friends are an essential part of our lives. They encourage us and come alongside us in good times and bad.

Friends help us to grow, make us laugh, and know us better than most.

However, friendships can come and go as well. We may have a falling out or disagreement, and suddenly our friendship is strained. However, God's Word tells us that Jesus is a better friend to us than any other friend we could have. He knows every single thing about us and still loves us. Jesus is committed to us, giving His life for us and making the ultimate sacrifice on the cross.

Because Jesus is our Lord, we should be called His servants, yet He calls us His friends. How beautiful is that?

He tells us in this passage of John that He desires that we obey Him. He wants the best for us, and that comes through obedience to Him.

Obedience stems from a heart of gratitude to Christ for all He has done for us.

While there is nothing we can do to earn Jesus' love or friendship, there is also nothing we can do to lose it. Jesus' love isn't based on our actions but our acceptance of His free gift of salvation.

So today, is there a friendship that needs repairing? How is your fellowship with Christ? Do you love those in your life the way Jesus loves us? Remember, He loves you, cares for you, and calls you His friend.

Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank you for being my friend. Thank you for knowing me better than anyone else and still choosing to love me. I love you, Lord. Amen.

With Love,
Sherry Shepherd