“There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:13 NLT
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Friendship is a type of relationship between two or more people. Those in friendship are called friends. There is a two-way commitment between friends.
Some friendships last a lifetime, some last a short time. Some friendships changes over time. A unique aspect of friendship is that there is a relationship.
Relationships are meant to bring value into our life. The Holy Scriptures says that two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed (Ecclesiastes 4:9). We usually use this verse for weddings. But it is also applicable to non-wedding friendships.
In life we experience different types of relationships. There are some friendships that are value-adding, uplifting and enabling. There are others that are toxic and soul destroying.
In my life I have friends who I call destiny helpers, they enable me to fulfil my purpose in life. They inspire me and motivate me to be my best. Over the years, I have learnt to manage relationships that had the potential to be destructive. I can’t call those relationships friendship, because to me there must be positivity in friendships.
Friends that seek to destroy each other are not friends but enemies.
However great a friendship is, there is always a limitation to it. A friendship could be limited in time and space, if the friends live far from each other. Others could be limited because of other responsibilities. Yet, others could be limited because of our human nature. Friends can betray trust, hurt or abandon each other.
There is a friendship though, that is unique, consistent and dependable. An inspiring example is that of Elohim God and Abraham.
Elohim called Abraham friend ‘But as for you, Israel my servant, Jacob my chosen one, descended from Abraham my friend’ (Isaiah 41:8)
Another example is Jesus and his disciples. Jesus called his disciples friends; ‘Now you are my friends since I have told you everything the Father told me’ (John 15:15)
The manner of friendship in these two cases are inspiring. There are indescribable blessings in being God’s friend. Elohim trusted Abraham, that He made Abraham a channel of blessing for the world. Jesus trusted his disciples that he gave them authority and power that whatsoever they bind or loose on earth will be done in heaven.
We also have access to this friendship with Jesus, by faith in him.
Friendship is a blessing, initiated by God. But not given to everyone. God did not call everyone His friends.
Friendship connotes a level of closeness or intimacy. The friendship that Elohim presents to us will bring us into this closeness and intimacy with Him. Elohim would be able to say about us; ‘Should I hide my plans from my friend Adeola?’
Friendship with Jesus gives us access to blessings. He is a friend who loves us unconditionally. He is a friend that is faithful and trustworthy. He is a friend that laid his life for us.
I want to be a friend of Jesus. How about you?
Abraham had a personal relationship with his God. Jesus is inviting us into a personal relationship with him.
It’s never too late to accept Jesus into your heart as Lord and Saviour. It’s simple to do this; believe in your heart that Jesus is the son of God, raised from the dead and confess with your mouth that He is Lord. “For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved” (Romans 10:9,10 NLT).
And start that wonderful friendship with Him immediately.
Secondly, those who would be his friends must be ready to obey like Abraham did.
“You are my friends if you do what I command.” John 15:14 NLT. Jesus taught us the most important law for us to obey and he taught us the two greatest commandment: To love the Lord our God with all our heart and with all our soul and with all our mind. This is the first and greatest commandment and the second is like it is to love your neighbour as ourself. (Matthew 22:36)
Do you want Jesus as a friend? It’s up to you, friend.
Have a wonderful week ahead.
#Prayerfortheweek
Almighty Father, thank You for the gift of my salvation and the Holy Spirit. Give me the grace to obey You and be in divine friendship with You. Help me to be a true friend to those who are in friendship with me. May all my friendships glorify your holy name. In the name of Yeshua Christ Jesus I pray. Amen.
If you accepted Jesus or turned back to him by reading this blog, please get in touch. I am super excited! Inbox me, email me, just get in touch. I want to join you in prayers every day. My email is info@adeolaakintoye.com
Have a wonderful week ahead.
I pray that this inspire you to reflect on your relationship with Elohim and be determined to be more and do more for Him each day.
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