Introduction

Today, we gather to celebrate Family and Friends Day, and it is important to reflect on the meaning of the word "friend." In our society, this word is often used casually and has lost its true significance. My aim today is to shed light on the true meaning of friendship and help you understand the depth of the friendship we have in Jesus.

Defining True Friendship

According to the dictionary, a friend is "a person whom one loves and trusts." Another definition describes a friend as "someone who gives assistance and support." However, I believe a true friend is someone who will go to great lengths to help and support you simply because you ask them to. A true friend is someone who will stand by your side, not only when you are right, but also when you are wrong.

Differentiating True Friends from Acquaintances

In our lives, we encounter many people, and it is easy to label them as friends. We may be drawn to them because they act like us, play the same games, or enjoy the same foods. However, it is important to recognize that not everyone who comes into our lives wants to be our friend. True friends are those who genuinely desire what is best for us. They are there to help us stay out of trouble, not lead us into it. They encourage us to do what is right and support us in our endeavors. True friends are rare and precious.

The Greatest Friend We Have in Jesus

Often, the people we come across are better described as acquaintances, contacts, or companions rather than true friends. Acquaintances may smile and engage in pleasant conversation, but when difficult times arise, they are nowhere to be found. Real friends, on the other hand, make every effort to be there for us in times of need and strife. They stand by us during both happy and challenging times. They see beyond superficialities and appreciate the goodness of our hearts and souls. In reality, we only have a few true friends in our lives.

However, the greatest friend we can ever have is Jesus. Our text for today, John 15:12-15, reminds us of the love and friendship we have in Him. Jesus said, "My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's 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."

Jesus exemplifies true friendship through His selfless love. He puts others before Himself and shows us what it means to be unselfish. Jesus is a friend who will never let us down, never leave us, and never forsake us. He is always by our side, ready to help and support us. When we have Jesus as our friend, we need not worry about our enemies because He is greater than anything the world can throw at us.

Jesus is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. He is a friend to the friendless, a friend who loves us despite our flaws and problems. When we are in need of healing, redemption, deliverance, or peace, Jesus is there for us. He can calm the storms in our lives and bring joy in the midst of sorrow. All we need to do is call on Him and believe that He wants to be our friend.

Being a Friend Like Jesus

In order to have friends, we must also show ourselves friendly. We must be kind, thoughtful, and reach out to others. It is easier to attract people with kindness than with a negative attitude. However, we must be cautious about the friends we choose. We should not seek friendship solely based on personal gain or popularity. Instead, we should strive to be friends who genuinely care for others and want what is best for them.

Peter, one of Jesus' disciples, initially proclaimed his loyalty and friendship to Jesus. However, when faced with adversity, Peter denied knowing Jesus. Many of us may proclaim our faith and friendship with Jesus when it is convenient or socially acceptable, but shy away when faced with challenges. Jesus warns us not to be ashamed of Him or His words, for He will be ashamed of those who deny Him when He returns in glory.

Conclusion

Jesus is the truest friend we can ever have. He willingly laid down His life for us, demonstrating the depth of His love. He rose from the dead, conquering sin and death, and offers us forgiveness and eternal life. Jesus is always there for us, ready to be our friend and guide us through life's ups and downs.

As we reflect on the friendship we have in Jesus, let us not take our friends for granted. Let us appreciate and cherish the few true friends we have in our lives. Most importantly, let us thank God for being our friend. Two thousand years ago, God sent His Son to save us because of His great love for us. Jesus is the friend who will never let us down, and we should strive to be His friend by living our lives for Him.

Call to Action

In conclusion, there is no friend like Jesus. He is the friend who sticks closer than a brother. He is the friend who loves us unconditionally and offers us forgiveness and eternal life. If you haven't already, I encourage you to try Jesus as your friend. He will never turn His back on you, make fun of you, or abandon you. He is the truest and most faithful friend you will ever have.

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