When I was in grade 4 of secondary school, I sprained my ankle. Being on crutches for 6 weeks made it hard to keep up with the other kids. But one friend stayed with me and made sure I didn't get left out. We came from different social and racial backgrounds, but that didn’t matter to either of us. She literally let me lean on her, and I was grateful for her kindness and strength.

Jesus Is Our Friend

Have you ever depended upon a friend like that? If not, you can certainly trust Jesus. He is not just our Lord; He is our Friend, too. He told His followers, "Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one’s friends" (John 15:12-15). My school friend displayed Christ-like love when she sacrificed her time for me.

Chosen Friend

My friend and I were different in many ways, but she still chose to help me. Likewise, God knew that we needed help, and He told His people: "But as for you, Israel my servant, Jacob My chosen one, descended from Abraham My friend, I have called you... For I have chosen you" (Isaiah 41:8-9). God and humans are not even close to equal; but because of His friendship with Abraham's descendants, God fulfilled His plan to save humanity from sin.

Act on Your Friendship

We display our friendship with God and our faith in Him by obeying Him, doing what He asks of us: "[Abraham's] faith and his actions worked together. His actions made his faith complete. ...So you see, we are shown to be right with God by what we do, not by faith alone" (James 2:22, 24) Also, being a Christ-like friend to others is a great way to show Jesus' love. Praying for your friends, as Jesus did, is a great way to care: "I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail" (Luke 22:32).

Prayer, Care and Share Jesus

The Power of a Friendship!

It's so exciting to know that the Lord of the universe, Jesus Christ, calls us His friends (if we follow His commands, John 15, v. 14)! And he wants us to love each other as He loved us.

Last week we started to identify lost people around us, who don't yet have a living relationship with Jesus. This week's step is to initiate a friendship with one of these people.

Do you care enough for a lost person you see regularly, to start being friends with them? You don't have to rush. Pray about this person you identify. If you are shy, ask the Lord or a friend for help in reaching out. Do something that fits your culture - it may just be inviting them for a cup of coffee.

You do not have to talk to them about Jesus right away. Just become friends and build the relationship. Ask them to tell their life stories, then really listen. Share your story when asked, without preaching. If they invite you to do something you don't feel is right, simply decline politely and without condemning. They will soon understand and accept you as you are - because you accept them as they are.

Whether this is easy or challenging for you, follow Jesus' example and be a friend to someone who needs Him!