Human beings were created to be relational, and friendships are an
important part of our lives. The Lord God said, “It is not good for a man to
be alone. I will make a companion suitable for him” (Genesis 2:18). We need
friends—people we bond with in mutual affection. But not just any friend will
do; having the right friends is key, and discernment is required: “The
righteous choose their friends carefully” (Proverbs 12:26).
The greatest friend anyone could possibly have is Jesus Christ. The Lord
Jesus Christ gave us this definition of a true friend: "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).
Jesus is the pure example of a true friend, for He laid down His life for His
"friends."
“Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person
someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for
us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:7–8)
“There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John
15:13)
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank you for everyone you’ve placed in our lives. We pray
and ask you to strengthen the relationships we have. Help us be a friend that
sharpens others. Give us humility so that others may also sharpen and
improve us. We thank you that in Christ we have a friend that sticks closer
than a brother. Help us to reflect you in all we do, so that we show forth the
grace of Jesus to all we meet, and may our lives be that sweet-smelling savour
to others and to you, as we abide in Christ. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.