For every problem we face, there is a ram in the thicket to replace what is about to be lost. The Lord will not let His friends down.
Jesus is the most faithful friend you’ll ever have. Unconditional love flows from His heart, and absolute truth rings from His mouth. You can fully depend on Him for companionship, wisdom, and direction.
Interestingly, there’s often a parallel between our relationship with the Lord and our earthly friendships. For some, it’s difficult to trust because of old hurts and wounds, and in turn, this is often reflected in the level of trust they have in the Lord. For others, they’ve been blessed with reliable friendships, close and connected. Because of this, they tend to trust God easily and readily. Of course, this isn’t always the case, but for many people, there seems to be a correlation between Jesus and friendship.
No matter what your earthly relationships are like, Jesus doesn’t want anything to stand in the way of your connection to Him. He invites you to bring your trust issues, hurts, and struggles and lay them at His feet. Perhaps the old hymn, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” says it best:
“Do your friends despise, forsake you?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In his arms he'll take and shield you;
you will find a solace there.”
When friendship is lacking, take it to the Lord. He is always there to shield you and offer the comforting solace you need.
Here are a few Bible passages that assure you of the faithful friendship you have in Jesus:
No Greater Love
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. 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.” John 15:13-15
When something exciting happens in life, who are the first people you call? Chances are, your best friend is on speed dial (if that’s even a thing these days). We want to share important news with those closest to us, and that’s just what Jesus did with His disciples.
No greater love walked the earth, a love willing to die for one’s friends. Jesus took everything the Father made known to Him and passed it on to the disciples. He then sent them into the world to proclaim the good news of the Kingdom. What an incredible benefit of knowing Jesus!
Let the Lord’s example encourage us to share the most important things with the most important people. Good news, bad news, heartaches, and hoorays, let us be brave enough to tell our friends the amazing work God is doing in our lives.
When Jesus said to His disciples, “I have called you friends,” they were no longer considered servants. They were, in fact, arm-in-arm companions of the Savior! What a blessing to walk in the greatest love ever known, to be in His inner circle and receive the Father’s wisdom. Thank the Lord today for the privilege of being called His friend.
Believing Him
“And the scripture was fulfilled that says, ‘Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,’ and he was called God’s friend.” James 2:23
There’s a cause-and-effect pattern mentioned in James 2:23 describing Abraham’s friendship with God. Through the most difficult trial of Abraham’s life, the impending sacrifice of his son, Isaac, Abraham believed God would come through for him. Because of his steadfast and unwavering belief, it was credited to him as righteousness. And in righteousness, God called him “friend.”
The good news for us is that Jesus is our righteousness. As 1 Corinthians 1:30-31 says, “But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption— that, as it is written, ‘He who glories, let him glory in the Lord.”’
Jesus is our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. He is our connection to God the Father, and because of Him, we are called God’s friends. This can be difficult to believe, especially for those who aren’t in a close relationship with their earthly fathers. At times, the Lord might seem distant or aloof. But hear what Psalm 145:18 says: “The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth.”
Because Jesus is our righteousness and truth, we can call upon the name of the Lord and know He is near. For every problem we face, there is a ram in the thicket to replace what is about to be lost. The Lord will not let His friends down. Do you believe this today? As the hymn reminds us:
“Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged;
take it to the Lord in prayer!”
Take your worries, cares, and concerns to God, and believe He will come through for you. Even when your heart wavers, turn to your Heavenly Friend and say, “I believe, Lord. Help my unbelief!”
One Friend Sharpens Another
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17
We know from the Gospels that Jesus sharpened and refined His friends through words of truth, acts of kindness, and moments of accountability. He even rebuked them at times, drawing them back into alignment with His will and purpose.
True friends sharpen one another. They are willing to do and say hard things when necessary. They raise warning flags, point out pitfalls, and cover a multitude of sins. It isn’t always comfortable, but it’s faithful.
In 2 Samuel 12:1-13, Nathan confronted King David with the harsh reality that he’d sinned against God. In boldness, Nathan said, “Why did you despise the word of the Lord by doing what is evil in his eyes? You struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and took his wife to be your own. You killed him with the sword of the Ammonites.” King David had no defense but to humbly confess his wrongdoing, “I have sinned against the Lord.”
Pointing out other people’s faults shouldn’t be our focus, but confronting serious (life-altering) sin should be something we’re bold enough to do. True friends will listen and heed what we’re saying. They might be hurt and angry at first, but in the end, they’ll come back around, taking responsibility and confessing their faults.
Friends sharpen friends just as Jesus sharpens us. By His Spirit within us, He convicts us without condemnation and forgives upon repentance. Though the process can be uncomfortable, the peace that follows obedience is a healing balm of mercy and grace.
If you’re starting to recognize the parallel between Jesus and friendship, take some time to evaluate your closest relationships. Ask God to help you release past wounds and step into a new season of trust and connection. Most of all, look to the Lord for wisdom and guidance. Step into His great love, the love that never fails, and be the friend He’s called you to be. What a friend you have in Jesus!
More Resources for Your Journey:
How to Share a Deep Friendship with a Non-Believer
Cultivating Friendships
How to Build and Maintain a Friendship
What a Friend We Have in Jesus
Photo Credit: ©Pexels/Elle Hughes
