Can you imagine growing up with Jesus Christ Himself as your friend? How wonderful would it feel to have Perfect Love as a friend? Well, as we are transformed into the image of Christ - becoming like Him in how we think and act - we can be good friends to people in our lives.
1. Faithful
Even in death, Jesus sticks close to us - never leaving us. How can you be faithful in word and in presence to your friends? I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. John 14:18
2. Sacrificial
Jesus laid down His life for every human so that we could have an eternal relationship with God. He had something precious that was in His possession to choose to give, and He gave it willingly. What do you have that you could give for your friends? Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. John 15:13
3. Truth-telling
Jesus told the truth - even when it offended some. But He told the truth to give people life and hope - not just to tear them down. How can you speak the truth to your friends? I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. John 14:6
4. Merciful & Forgiving
Not only did Jesus forgive the whole world for their sins, but He forgave one of His closest friends after being personally betrayed. In the days leading up to Jesus' crucifixion, one of Jesus' best friends, Peter, denied that he even knew Jesus... leaving Jesus to face immense suffering and pain alone. But after His resurrection, Jesus speaks to Peter to restore him. Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Feed My lambs.” John 21:15
5. Loving
Jesus is perfect love in human flesh. We can be better friends by letting God's love flow through us to our friends. Without His love, we are nothing. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13:35
Lord, I know that without You, all of this means nothing. I don't want to try to be a good friend in my own strength - I want YOUR love to flow through me. God, transform me into Your image. I want to love Your children with Your supernatural love and faithfulness!
In Jesus Name, Amen