I have several friends with whom I have such a close bond that I can be separated for them for a time, but when we meet again it is like we were together yesterday. These are the people with whom you can share your secret pains and your great dreams.
I often try to imagine how the disciples must have felt when Jesus declared—“You are My friends if you do what I command you” (John 15:34). Did you notice that genuine friendship implies responsibility? Thus it is not surprising that Jesus told the disciples that His friends obey His commands. As friends of Christ, we know that His love is steadfast and His word is true and therefore we desire to obey.
Along with the responsibilities of friendship there are also privileges. Listen to verse 15: “I do not call you slaves anymore, because a slave doesn’t know what his master is doing, I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything I have heard from My Father.”
This is one of my favorite “we are” passages because it teaches us that He has chosen us as His friends (16) not because of any merit on our part, but because of His great love. Have you spent any quality time with your friend Jesus? Told anyone about Him lately?
Prayer: It is beyond my comprehension that You chose me as Your friend. Help me to introduce others to my best friend. Amen.