The Foundation of True Friendship

Scripture:

"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 15:15

Devotional:

Through the cross, Christ made a way to reconcile us to God and invite us into a relationship with Him. He took the first step towards friendship with us, bearing the punishment for our sins so that we could be united with Him.

Consider, for a moment, the staggering reality of John 15:15: the Lord of glory, the Creator of all things, the sustainer of the universe, calls us His friends. He does not need us. We bring nothing to the table that He lacks. And yet, He draws near.

Jesus is the perfect friend. He is faithful, patient, selfless, forgiving, and full of love. Spending time with Jesus and in God’s Word transforms us to be more like Him every day. We grow into the image of Christ, and this love overflows into our friendships with others. The more we walk closely with Jesus, the better we become at loving others as He loves us. We learn to forgive as He forgave, to encourage as He encourages, and to bear burdens as He bears ours.

Through His death and resurrection, Jesus restores us to friendship with God and equips us to be friends who reflect His love and grace to those around us.

Questions:

1. How does understanding that Jesus calls you His friend, despite not needing anything from you, deepen your sense of gratitude and awe of His grace?
2. In what ways is your friendship with Jesus transforming your character? How can you intentionally grow in the fruit of the Spirit to better reflect His love in your relationships?
3. How can you model Jesus’ example of faithful and sacrificial friendship in your own relationships? What steps can you take this week to forgive, encourage, or bear the burdens of those around you?

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank You for Your sacrifice on the cross that opened the way for me to be Your friend. I am in awe of Your perfect love and faithfulness. Transform me into Your likeness so that I may reflect Your love in my friendships. Help me to grow in the fruit of the Spirit, becoming a friend who points others to You. Amen.