John 15:15 No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.
A wonderful Benefit in our Believer’s Benefit Package is that of Divine Friendship and Companionship.
Jesus declared Himself to be our friend. He is the Friend who will never betray us or let us down. He will always have time to talk and resources to help. He will stand by us no matter how badly we fail. His Mercy and Grace endures forever. His Love never fails. More importantly, our Friend, Jesus, will go to our Heavenly Father on our behalf. There is no greater, more loyal Friend than Jesus.
As children, most of us are told to choose our friends carefully. This is very good advice because the Word of God says, Bad company corrupts good character. (1 Corinthians 15:33)
Immediately following Jesus’ statement where He calls us His Friends, He tells us something very important. He said, You did not choose Me, but I chose you..... (John 15:16) Think about that for just a moment. Jesus chose YOU as His friend.
Now the ball is in your court. You have been chosen by Jesus to be His friend. Are you going to agree to be His friend, or are you going to reject Him as a friend?
When we say “yes” to Jesus and accept His friend request, our lives will be forever changed. Our wants, goals, and desires will no longer be the same. He will give us new desires of our hearts. Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart. (Psalm 37:4)
This reminds me of the old hymn, What a Friend We Have In Jesus. This song was written by Joseph Scriven in 1855. He knew Jesus as His personal friend and understood the Benefits of that Friendship. Do you?
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.
Accepting Jesus’ friend request will........turn the tide.......in your life.
What a Friend I have in Jesus! Doreen
