Hosanna Restoration Church

Even those who do not believe in God, realize that in order to have close friends one needs to be friendly. People should consider themselves very fortunate if they have really good friends. We may have many different types of relationships based on many different things but there is a difference between relationships and friendships.

There are relationships that are based on everything from the workplace to social status and even to the church, but these are not necessarily friendships. As proverbs 18 tells us, “There is a friend that sticks closer than a brother.” I believe this friend is none other than Jesus. Jesus made a point of telling His disciples that He no longer would call them servants, but that He would now call them friends.

This would imply that Jesus intended to treat them like friends. This promise was of course for us as well. As I have sought the Lord considering friendship I have become very aware of what a really good friend Jesus is, and also more of what is expected of a friend.

A friend is a friend no matter what. Even when I fail to be friendly, Jesus does not leave me. His friendship to me is not based on any performance on my part. Nothing can strain a friendship more than when it is based on one doing for the other or expecting something from the other.

This could be the reason that many people keep their distance from the Lord. They think that His friendship and kindness and rewards will require something more than they are willing to give. The truth is, when we call on the name of Jesus, we gain a friend that sticks close.

When we call a friend, we expect them to talk to us or to at least return our call. Friends stay in touch. God likes us to stay in touch. He does not want to be the one always having to initiate things. I have often heard people say that they figured that God would let them know if He wanted something. Well He would like to have us be good enough friends to check in.

A friend will do most anything for a friend. Well we can be sure that Jesus is faithful friend and that He will do His part. A friend is usually considerate of their friend when they call for a favor, so we don’t have to worry about Jesus asking us the impossible. After all, He will supply whatever we need in order to accomplish what He asks.

I got the feeling from the Lord that He just wants us to be His true friends. There is no limit to what can flow from this kind of friendship. Tell God you are ready to be His friend.