Dave spoke this morning from John 15:9-16 on being a friend of God. In today’s modern society, where the extended family often lives scattered and not in the same vicinity, loneliness can be a problem for many. It is easy to have acquaintances but not so easy to form meaningful friendships. Jesus called his followers to not only be disciples but to be friends.
Abraham, Enoch and David were all people known for their close fellowship with God and therefore could be described as His friend. It’s amazing but true that God wants more than followers; He wants friends.
The characteristics of a good friend include someone who listens and cares for you, who accepts you as you are, who inspires affection and trust. Jesus spoke of loving His disciples as the Father loved Him, a confident love that is faithful and not dependent on our contribution! Love motivates His friendship (Rom 5:8-10) and is the source of our relationship with Him. He wants more than one-sided friendship, however, reminding us that we are His friends if we do what He commands.
To be a good friend to God involves listening to Him, talking to Him (prayer) and appreciating all He does (thanksgiving and praise.) We will want to gather with His other friends (fellowship) and to join with them in learning more and growing in obedience. Jesus demonstrated His true friendship in laying down His life for us and longs for us to reflect His friendship through our loyalty and love for others. No matter what, He is a friend who sticks closer than a brother, a friend who loves at all times and who issues a personal invitation of friendship to each one of us.