Friend of God

Our relationship with God is multi-faceted. He is the creator, redeemer, righteous judge, safe place, and strong tower. And He is our friend. 

I have called your friends. John 15:15 NASB

Consider for a minute what friendship is. What words come to mind? 

I think of comfortable, honest, relaxed, and encouraging. True friendship is a place where I can be myself – no walls, no need to impress. Friendship is a safe place to grow, interact, and receive challenges and insight. 

There is privilege associated with friendship. Friendship makes you a part of the inner circle with direct access. You have the inside information.

One of Jesus’ last conversations with His disciples explored our friendship with God. Let look a little closer at John 15. 

As Jesus gathered His disciples together, He knew He was only moments away from betrayal. He knew most of the people He was talking to would soon abandon Him. Yet, Jesus called them friends. 

Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13

Our friendship with God begins with His love. Fellowship with God is only possible through Jesus’ sacrifice. Without Jesus, we would never be able to connect to God or experience His great love.

You are My friends if you do what I command you. John 15:14

Our friendship with God is not one-sided. Even though God initiates our relationship with His love, we choose our response. We show our love for God in many ways, including listening to Him and following His direction.

No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called your friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you. John 15:15

Our friendship with God gives us inside information. As Jesus explained to His disciples, we are not just servants. A servant simply carries out the commands of a master. They do what they are told without needing context or insight. Jesus not only gives us direction but He makes known God’s way and God’s thoughts to us.

You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain. John 15:16a

Our friendship with God gives us purpose. God designed us to live a full and productive life. We are uniquely created and gifted for the exact assignment God has for us. We can only accomplish our purpose through knowing God and His power working through us.

And that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you. (John 15:16b)

Our friendship with God gives us direct access. At any time and in any place, we can call out to God and speak directly to Him through prayer. It is easy to overlook just how amazing this is. We can present requests before the creator of the entire universe. And He hears and responds.

This I command you, that you love one another. (John 15:17)

Our friendship with God transforms all other relationships. God’s love is not only extended to us but is extended through us. The closer we grow to God, the more we become like God. His love not only transforms us, but it can work through us to change the people around us too.

You and I have access to the presence of God. There is no friend or person more important than Jesus. And there is nothing more significant that we can do with our time than to develop our friendship with Him. 

Let’s embrace that friendship – get to know Jesus, be ourselves, let down walls, press in, and learn from Him.