True Friendship

Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13


It has been said that to have friends, you must first be a friend. What better example is there that that of Jesus? Jesus was called the friend of sinners because He reached out to those society looked down on. During his earthly ministry, He was surrounded by those He considered friends. There were, of course, His Disciples--12 men with whom He lived and traveled. They all knew each other as friends and brothers. Within that group were also 3 men--Peter, James and John--who were extremely close to Jesus. They were His "inner circle" if you will, the ones who knew Jesus' heart & soul as only true friends can. Within that group was also Judas Iscariot, who would betray Him. Which type of friend are you?

Friendship is important--we all need friends. While marriage partners are wonderful gifts from GOD, each of us often needs the counsel and accountability only a close same-sex friend can provide. As a man, I understand that men need other men with whom they can be totally transparent and bare their souls to without fear of rejection or condemnation. I have a few such friends for whom I thank GOD daily. Proverbs 27:17 says, "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." We learn from each other, lean on each other and pray with and for each other.

As we approach Easter, it is impossible to overlook GOD's love for us and Jesus' great sacrifice made on our behalf. What an example of love and friendship! A Holy and sinless man--the Son of GOD himself--beaten, battered and hung on a cross to suffer for the sins of the world. He left the glories of Heaven and came to our world to do for us what we could not do for ourselves. Although He lived a sinless life, He suffered an agonizing and humiliating death for us. There He hung, bloody and naked--suspended between Heaven and earth for all to see. He could have called legions of angels to rescue Him, but He chose to give His life in order to save us from the fiery pits of Hell.

I am reminded of the old song, "What a Friend we have in Jesus!"

What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!
Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged—
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful,
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Are we weak and heavy-laden,
Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge—
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,
Thou wilt find a solace there.
Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised
Thou wilt all our burdens bear;
May we ever, Lord, be bringing
All to Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright, unclouded,
There will be no need for prayer—
Rapture, praise, and endless worship
Will be our sweet portion there.

What a friend we have in Jesus!

Blessings!
Tony