Day 219
“I have called you friends”
John 15:15
How would you describe a friend? Common use of the word friend more often means an association. Being a real friend is a different matter. A real friend is one is trustworthy, loyal, stands with you in the thick and thin of life, confidant, comrade and faithful companion. A friend gives counsel when needed and is willing to correct you when necessary. A real friend doesn’t judge or criticize you and definitely doesn’t desert you if you screw up. True friendship is based on unconditional love.
Jesus said, “I have called you friends.” There are three characteristics to His friendship. The first is He sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24). When Jesus saw the disciples in trouble on the lake, He went to them, comforted them, strengthened them and then (after walking on water), got in the boat with them. He stood with them in adversity. The second characteristic is, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend” (Proverbs 27:6). Because He is our friend, He corrects us and Job tells us, “happy is the man whom God corrects, therefore despise not the chastening of the Almighty: for though He wounds, He binds and heals again” (5:17-18).
The third characteristic of His friendship is His counsel, “Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel” (Proverbs 27:9). The psalmist tells us, “He is our God forever and ever and He will be our guide until death” (48:14). And, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go, I will guide you with My eye” (32:8). There is a great comfort and security to knowing that guidance, counsel and wisdom are ours continually. There is only one true friend who fills this role, Our Father.
“And the Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy you with all good things, and keep you healthy; and you will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring” Isaiah 58:11