Here is a quote from my grandsons’ The Jesus Storybook Bible we gave them for Christmas. “This is how God will rescue the whole world [Jesus says]. My life will break and God’s broken world will mend. My heart will tear apart—and your hearts will heal … I won’t be with you long. You are going to be very sad. But God’s Helper will come. And then you’ll be filled up with a Forever Happiness that won’t ever leave. So don’t be afraid. You are my friends and I love you.”

“You are my friends and I love you.” The peace and joy that this knowledge gives me. In John 15, Jesus tells us that we are his friends and that he loves us. He also emphasized that his friends obey his commandment to love one another as he loved us.

God offers his friendship to all who will trust in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of our sins. “We were God’s enemies, but he made us his friends through the death of his Son. Now that we are God’s friends, how much more will be saved by Christ’s life! But that is not all; we rejoice because of what God has done through our Lord Jesus Christ, who has now made us God’s friends.” Romans 5:10-11

What does that friendship look like? I think it’s like the communion Adam and Eve had with God in Eden before they sinned. It’s like the fellowship shared by Jesus with his disciples. It’s the gift of God offered to us. Being God’s friend doesn’t make me his equal; it means I am loved! It means you are loved! He wants us to know and love him. “I don’t want your sacrifices – I want your love; I don’t want your offerings – I want you to know me!” Hosea 6:6

More than anything I want to grow in this relationship with God through Christ!

Peace!