Abiding in The Vine: Friendship
Friday, February 20
Abiding in The Vine: Friendship
You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. John 15:14
The essence of friendship, as highlighted in John 15:14, is obedience. When we follow Christ’s teachings, we deepen our relationship with Him and are better equipped to be the kind of friends He wants us to be. This doesn’t mean blind obedience, but a heartfelt desire to understand and embrace His love and guidance.
Sometimes, we may be tempted to view obedience to God’s commands as a burden or as something we do to earn His favor. But Jesus invites us into a friendship built on love. Obeying Him is not about following a set of rules; it’s about aligning our hearts with His. It’s about seeking to honor Him in every area of our lives, knowing that He is good, and His ways are life-giving.
Friendship in the context of John 15 is a deep, abiding relationship. Jesus is not merely our teacher or savior; He is a close friend who walks with us, shares His heart with us, and calls us into His mission. True friendship with Him is marked by an intimate connection, where we listen to His voice and respond in love. In return, He shares with us His will and the knowledge of His Father.
Prayer for today: Dear Lord, thank you for the gift of friendship, for the people you’ve placed in our lives to support, encourage, and challenge us. Help us to be the kind of friends you would have us be – loving, supportive, and always seeking the best for those around us. Give us the courage to speak the truth in love and the grace to celebrate each other’s successes. Help us to be steadfast in our commitment to those we call friends. Amen.