..."AND ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS RECKONED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS," and he was called the friend of God. James 2:23
"You are My friends if you do what I command you. John 15:14
A Friend of God
Friends are valuable in our life. Everyone needs a true friend. You need a friend if you are in trouble, to have fun with, to share experiences, to talk with and to be there for each other. But few people think of that person being God.
Friends are valuable in our life. Everyone needs a true friend. You need a friend if you are in trouble, to have fun with, to share experiences, to talk with and to be there for each other. But few people think of that person being God.
God seems to be reserved for the big stuff in life; getting saved, getting married or burying somebody. Isn’t He all about worship and reverence? How can I consider Him a friend? Simply put...because He wants to be your friend. But is it really wrong to see God as our friend?
Consider the qualities of a friend and you will find that God meets and exceeds all of them.
1) Honesty - Honesty is the best policy to keep a friendship alive. A real friend will always tell the truth and never lie. God doesn’t lie to us and it certainly does no good to lie to Him.
2) A good listener - You need a friend to share your problems with. You don't want to talk with everyone about the problems you have and a real friend will listen and will try to give some useful advice. Wow! God certainly does this well.
3) Trustworthiness - You share almost everything with your friend and also confidential information. You need to rely on your friend's word to keep this information between you and your friend. God has never “ratted me out” to anyone that I am aware of.
4) Respect - It is important your friend shows respect for your point of view. It is not necessary he/she agrees with your points and can sometimes try to change your mind but he need always to respect you, even if he/she disagrees with you. God has always respected my free will.
5) Good company - You will do many activities together with your friend. Your friend needs to be good company. Once you get passed the idea that God is an angry old man He can be a joy to spend time with.
6) Patience - It is possible you will complain about certain issues which you can't share with someone else. Patience is an important quality your friend needs to help you through this process. Is there anyone more patient with us than God?
7) Forgiveness - Forgiveness is an important quality of a true friend. It is necessary when some problems arise between you and your friend. Forgiveness is important for maintaining your friendship. Hellooooo! The cross! Can He be any more forgiving?
8) Encouragement - There are always periods in your life when you feel down or maybe a little bit depressed. A good friend will encourage his/her friend to do things for feeling better. How about Him “working all things together for my good?”
10) Caring - A real friend will always care for you, in good and bad situations. He or she will always care for you no matter which problem you have and will give you the necessary support to reach certain goals. casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7
Now that’s what I call a friend!
There is one thing God asks of us as His friend. Both scriptures state that the proof of our friendship with God is obedience to His design and desire for our lives. Is that really too much to ask to have such a friend?
There is one thing God asks of us as His friend. Both scriptures state that the proof of our friendship with God is obedience to His design and desire for our lives. Is that really too much to ask to have such a friend?
Scripture to Claim:Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. You are My friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you. John 15:13-15
