JOHN 15:12-14: “This is my commandment: that you love one another as I have loved you. You are my friends, if you do whatsoever I command you. “Friendship, unlike biological relationships is one of choice; we get to choose our friends, our relatives are a given. There is much truth to the adage which says: “Show me your friends and I’ll tell you who you are..

The word “friend” as also the word “love”, are synonymous and are often used loosely and inappropriately. The friendship that Jesus speaks about in the above quote is one of a sacred, loving and close relationship, with each having a sincere desire to please the other. It is an intimate relationship of love, trust and faithfulness. Although the love of God is unconditional, He makes conditional demands on friendship. God made it clear that love precedes friendship and that the two are inseparable.

Jesus, in essence, said that if we love Him, our primary desire would be to please Him by our absolute obedience to Him. It is then and only then that we become qualified to be called His friends. Jesus established His friendship with us by first loving us unconditionally, then investing His trust in us by sharing with us spiritual revelations of the Trinity: “Henceforth I call you not servants…but I have called you friends, for things that I have heard of My Father I have made known unto you.” (Verse 15).

Jesus Christ, having laid down His life for us, exemplifies the true meaning of friendship. He has asked no more of us than He has given. He has selflessly commanded us to share this love and friendship with others. The truth is Jesus craves our friendship and love. The Bible tells us that He sticks closer than a brother. The question is: Are we qualified to be called friends of God?

Eternal Father, we realise that we often fall short of being worthy to be called friends of God. Help us as a nation to be completely committed to You so that our utmost desire would be to please You simply because we love You. We commit today in obedience to Your word, to love others as You have loved us.

In Jesus’ name

Amen.

celtakirk@yahoo.com