Thursday, May 30, 2013 -- Friendship-having Friends, Making Friends, Being A Friend (4)

God has invited us to the ultimate friendship with Him through His son Jesus Christ.  As we respond to his love and care we will find peace and security.  This, in turn, will allow us to live well with Him and help us become a loving and caring friend to others.

We get an early example of this in the Bible through the story of Abraham.  Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness, and he was called God’s friend.  (James 2:23 NIV)  We know that Abraham left his family and went to an unknown land in order to follow the voice of God.  He was willing to trust God and make all he had available to God, even to the point of his dear son Isaac.  God saw failure in Abraham's life, for sure, but He also saw someone who longed to know His way and go forward with Him, even at personal cost.  That's a friend.

Along with Abraham, we need someone to help us as we try to be a friend but struggle to find our way.  Jesus has promised to be a friend to us, the closest friend possible.  He will show us the way.  He will teach us, will stay with us, and will help us.  Jesus offers us friendship that will last.

Jesus says:  Look!  I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. (Revelation 3:20 NLT)

The Lord is a friend to those who fear him. He teaches them his covenant. (Psalm 25:14 NLT)

How am I entering into a life of friendship as God intends?  What keeps me from a life of friendship as God intends?  Today is a wonderful opportunity to say "Yes" to the friendship Jesus offers.