Friendship

"These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you." (John 15:11-16)

Thought For Today:
Have you ever reflected on your friendship with Jesus? Consider your relationships with those you call friends. Trust, reliability, faithfulness, and consideration are the building blocks of strong friendships. Jesus referred to us as friends, but our friendship with Him is dependent on one thing: if we obey His commands. So, what are His commands? "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15); "Do not worry about what you will eat, drink, or wear. Your Father knows what you need. Seek first His kingdom and righteousness, and all these things will be added to you" (Matthew 6:31-33); "Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you in good measure. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you" (Luke 6:37-38); "If you love me, keep my commands" (John 14:15); "For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins" (Matthew 6:14-15); "Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16). These are just a few of His commands. Are you a friend of Jesus?