“Abraham . . was called God’s friend.” James 2:23 NIV
“God extends His friendship at a costly, personal sacrifice only a profound love would pay.”
My thoughts today are about “the privilege of friendship.”
I am a privileged individual. God has placed people in my life who have become highly regarded friends. They are people better than I am in about every way, and I know I am better because of their friendship. I am honored to call them friends; I am privileged that they would call me their friend.
There are many ways people measure wealth – earnings, savings, investments, properties, or possessions – but my personal feeling is this: whether man or woman, a person is truly well to do only when they have a wealth of good friends. Value each friend highly; nurture every friendship freely.
I hope it will make sense to you when I say that a friend with whom you share a particular and singular history in life together is not interchangeable with just any other person. Each friendship has a unique place that is not duplicated, nor can be replicated by any other. Value every friendship for what it is; treasure what friendships become with time and experiences together. Acquaintances come and go innumerably; my Dad taught me that friends are few and valued beyond wealth.
A life-long friend, wrote me a few days ago, “Thanks always for your friendship (the most cherished one in my life) . .” I found myself writing back, “Honored to be your friend; privileged to call you mine.” Dare I say that’s how God feels about you! God is a friend, not acquaintance, certainly not your adversary. At the cross, God extended His heart of friendship to you at personal and costly sacrifice only a profound love would pay. Read John 3:16-17 NLT.
The Bible says, “Abraham believed God . . and was called God’s friend.” James 2:23 NIV. Jesus tenderly said to His disciples, “I call you My friends!” John 15:12-17 NIV. The concept is staggering, but true – incomprehensible, until believed. You know that loneliness you sometimes feel, an incompleteness and aloneness; you need never feel that again. Grasp this possibility and your life is changed forever, and your heart opens to God and others in ways you never knew before.
There are necessary components to your growing friendship with God. Friendships don’t just magically and instantly occur; they are built over time, as is your relationship with God. I suggest these practical, contributing factors: time together, respect, interaction, communication, caring, reciprocation, sharing, sacrifices, fellowship, involvement, love, trust, faithfulness, serving, loyalty, and obedience. You don’t buy friendship with God with these; you sustain and grow it by them.
Whatever else is thought of me when my years are spent, I hope it may be said, “He was a friend of God, and others.” After a summary of Abraham’s life and faith, these words are written of him and those who followed his faith, “Now they desire a heavenly country. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God for He has prepared a city for them.” Hebrews 11:8-19 NKJV. Live so your Friend and friends are not ashamed.
My prayer for you today is: may your heart desire to be with your best Friend forever.