“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. This is my command: Love each other.”
—John 15:9–17

Think of your best friend, the person you go to for help when you need something. Your best friend listens, offers advice, and teams up with you to provide extra strength. Your friend is wise, trustworthy, honest and always available when you need him or her. Your friend loves you just as you are, always forgives your shortcomings and encourages you in your struggles. You can call on your friend and depend on her or him to come help you no matter what you ask.

You are very fortunate if you have a friend with half of these qualities. It is rare to find someone with most of them who likes you enough or has time to be this kind of friend. This is a person worth pursuing a relationship with, for you have to be this kind of friend to have this kind of friend.

I have learned in the past few years that Jesus can be this kind of friend to anyone who seeks him. He is a gift to humanity from our Creator God. Through exposure to many Bible studies, I have learned in God’s word that he designed us to be in a relationship with him through Jesus. Spending time with wonderful Christian mentors, I learned how to pray. Now I talk regularly with my best friend, and he gives me all the help I ask for. He has given me strength and carried me through difficult work assignments. Recently I trusted him to guide my path to a new job. He has given me the peace and confidence to push myself out of my comfort zone and overcome long-time fears. Now I don’t go anywhere or do anything without consulting him first.

What an incredible friend we have in Jesus! (I love that hymn; it’s so true!) His gifts and help are there for the asking. And this is only the beginning, the tip of the iceberg. If you get to know him, he will transform you and your life will be amazingly enriched. Take him up on his offer to be your best friend. If you need help getting started, take the Alpha course or go to one of the Bible study opportunities here at church. You will glad you did.

Lord Jesus, thank you so much for opening my eyes and my heart to your power, riches and glory. Thank you for the work you are doing in me. Make me into someone you can use. In your holy, precious name, Amen.

Donna Johnson