By Andrew Williams
John 15:15 (NLT): “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.”
Good morning fellow disciples.
Let us turn our hearts to a verse that speaks of a profound and deeply personal relationship, a bond that transcends all earthly connections: friendship with Jesus.
This isn’t a casual acquaintance or a distant admiration; it’s an intimate friendship, a close and personal relationship characterized by trust, love, and mutual understanding. Jesus doesn’t address his followers as servants, bound by duty and obligation, but as friends, sharing in His life, His knowledge, and His purposes. He shares with them the very essence of His being, the secrets of the Father’s heart. This isn’t a one-sided relationship; it’s a reciprocal bond, a partnership built on love, trust, and mutual commitment.
Think about what it means to be a friend of Jesus. It means having an intimate relationship with Him, spending time in prayer and meditation, allowing His presence to permeate every aspect of your life. It means obeying His commands, following His teachings, and striving to live a life that reflects His love and grace. It means sharing His love with others, extending compassion and forgiveness, and working together to advance His kingdom. It means experiencing the joy of His presence, the comfort of His peace, and the strength of His power.
This understanding empowers us to live with purpose, passion, and unwavering devotion. Knowing we are friends of Jesus, we are not intimidated by the challenges of life. We are not afraid to step out in faith, to take risks for the sake of the Gospel, and to pursue His purposes with unwavering determination. We are empowered to love unconditionally, to forgive freely, and to live lives that reflect the very essence of His being.
Our task, then, is to cultivate this friendship, to deepen our relationship with Jesus, and to live in a manner worthy of His friendship. Today, I challenge you to prioritize time with Jesus in prayer and meditation. Seek opportunities to share His love with others, extending compassion and forgiveness. Let your life be a living testament to the transformative power of friendship with Jesus, a radiant reflection of His love and grace to a world in desperate need.
Prayer: Loving Father, we thank You for the incredible privilege of being friends with Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help us to cultivate this friendship, to deepen our relationship with Him, and to live in a manner worthy of His love and grace. Empower us to share His love with others, extending compassion and forgiveness. May our lives be a living testament to the transformative power of friendship with Jesus. In Jesus’ name, Amen.