Friends of God

The 1985 film Anne of Green Gables became famous for the saying, “True friends are always together in spirit.” This line where Anne describes her best friend, Diana Barry, is one of many ways people have described friendship through the years. Many of us can think of some dear friends who have offered encouragement, prayers, and support. Friendship is one of the biggest blessings in life.

Jesus Christ gives us the best example of true love. He was willing to lay down his life for us. Today’s passage can help us to understand that Christ loved us so much and considers us his friend. Although we do not “die” for others, Jesus’s act of love can inspire us and teach us to live lives of compassion, kindness, and service. Our shared faith in God can spur us to show love by laying down our desires for our friends and exemplify sacrificial love by bearing each other's burdens. Through these bonds of friendship, we can experience Christ's transformative love.

One of my favorite songs is “Friend of God’ by Israel Houghton. It is incredible to think that our holy God hears us when we call and he is always thinking of us. We are extraordinarily blessed to be friends of God!

Lord, thank you for loving us and laying down your life for us. We are so thankful that you call us friends and value each of us. Help us to learn from your example and to be better friends to others by being kind, accountable, loving and prayerful. In Jesus’s name, Amen.

Throughout this day: listen to Israel Houghton’s song “Friend of God

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