“You are my friends if you do what I command.”
John 15:14
How do you like your friends? Do you like them to be faithful and loyal? Encouraging, thoughtful, and kind? Of course you do. But how many of your friends would measure up to such standards?
Friends are people, and people are not always faithful and kind. Just look at some of the people Jesus called His friends. Peter was always interrupting and telling Jesus what He should do. Then there was Mary Magdalene, whose sordid past was well known. Mary, the sister of Martha, failed as a housekeeper. Indecisive Thomas never stood up for his opinions. Then there was Nicodemus, the man who came to Jesus at night, a chicken for not showing his face in the daytime.
These people had their problems. Nevertheless, Jesus valued them as friends. He didn’t expect them to be perfect; He expected them to be themselves, faults and fine points together. And all He asked of them was their love. Love for Him and for each other.
Perhaps you’re the type who forgets appointments or birthdays. Maybe in a group, you talk too much or don’t talk at all. Housecleaning doesn’t top your priority list. You get intimidated easily and fail to stick up for your friends. Aren’t you glad that none of these things disqualify you from your Lord’s circle of friends?
Jesus says that you are His friend if you do two things: Love God and love others.
I must remember, Lord, that when I fail as Your friend, You still remain a faithful friend to me, always caring and loving, always forgiving and encouraging. May I reflect Your love back to You and share that same love with others.
Blessings,
Joni and Friends
