23And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
I’ve asked myself the question, “what does it mean to be a friend of God?” Maybe you have too. Friendship involves a mutual desire for companionship. Our father God, desires our companionship, attention, love. He willingly sent His son Jesus Christ to the world to reveal His nature, and make a way for us to access Him. His son willingly died a criminal’s death as a sacrifice in our place. "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13
Our father made a way for us to have a relationship with Him. A relationship involves both parties. A true friendship grows more intimate during it’s course. Trust is built over time and the ties that bind are strengthened. We are able to consult with our friend confidently, knowing that we are loved and accepted, unconditionally. We can safely trust that our friend has our best interest at heart. Our friend will warn us if they see danger. They rejoice in our victories and successes. True friends will encourage one another and forgive one another where there has been an offense. Genuine friendship supports during times of struggle. Friends are dependable. In true friendship, unconditional love develops. We love our friends no matter what and we always want the best for our friends.
"A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity" (Proverbs 17:17). Regardless of the circumstances, no matter what the struggle, a genuine friend will be there for you.
Our father exemplifies all the qualities of being a true friend. He wants our friendship as well. He desires to be intimate with each of us. He wants the kind of friendship from you that loves at all times.
There is an example of true friendship between David and Saul's son Jonathan, who, in spite of his father Saul's pursuit of David and attempts to kill him, stood by his friend. You will find that story in 1 Samuel chapter 18 through chapter 20. Some pertinent passages are 1 Samuel 18:1-4; 19: 4-7;20:11-17, 41-42. These two men truly cared for each other and had great trust and confidence in one another.
It is Jesus Christ who said "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his 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).
So this friendship is to be two sided. It can not be one-sided. To be God’s friend is not merely to bask in the benefits, but to offer our all to HIM. We are to obey the word of God, if we are truly HIS friends. Lay down my life for the king of kings. Obey His word, demonstrate faith in HIM through my actions.
"A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother" (Proverbs 18:24). Jonathan was a good example of this kind of friend, and Jesus is the perfect example.
"For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:7-8). "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends." (John 15:13). Now, that is true friendship!
Are we willing to be God’s friends? Will you lay down your life for him? I’m not talking about your salvation, rather I am asking, what kind of friends are we to God?
Complete Jewish Bible Proverbs 3:28
Don't tell your neighbor, "Go away! Come another time; I'll give it to you tomorrow," when you have it now.” Do we sometimes put God on the back burner and wait until we can pencil him into our schedules? Hopefully you don’t, but I find I sometimes do this. He deserves our friendship now. He longs for intimacy.
James 2:21-23 (New International Version)
21Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. 23And the scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,"[a] and he was called God's friend.
There is no greater example than the love of God for us. It is so great that He gave His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, in order that our friendship with God might be restored. He did that in spite of the fact that we have offended Him deeply. We have disobeyed His commands, turned our backs on Him, and followed our own path. So two questions remain: Are you God’s friend? What type of friend do you want to be? Consider this and decide. Do you want to abide in HIS presence?
(Psalms 16:11 NKJV) You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Warrior
Father, I want to be your friend. You have already proven your love and friendship to me by sending your son Jesus Christ. Father I give you my life, and ask you to do what you want with it. Have your way in me, that we may walk intimately together, day and night. Help me to love unconditionally as you do. Help me to be a true friend to you, by manifesting it to all whose paths cross with mine.
In Jesus' name, I pray.
Grayce Pedulla Dillon © 2010
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