What a friend I found in Jesus

Tennessee Williams once said; “Life is partly what we make it, and partly what is made by the friends we choose.”

What a powerful statement. How important it is to have a good friend. In our culture, we mostly have “buddies.” Buddies are people we call when we need something. When we need something accomplished, we find someone who has the skill set to get it accomplished. They are an acquaintance that has an ability we need to accomplish a task. It is more intimate to call that type of acquaintance a buddy. However, the only time that “buddy” is contacted is when that person is needed.

Real friendship is not terminated when someone disagrees with your agenda. Real friendship is a person who is with you for the long haul. They are with you through the good times and the bad times.

I have an acquaintance that had recently expressed to me and my entire congregation, that when I speak to him it brings a sense of peace to his life. In that confession, I have realized that I need to be a closer friend to him. I need to call him more often. Not because I need something but rather, I am needed by someone. It is about what I can give, not what I can receive.

Proverbs 17:17 says, “A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in a time of need.” A friend is not too busy. A friend makes the time and is there when needed. A friend will walk with you through your darkest days. Proverbs 18:24; “There are friends that destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.”

We in the church talk much about becoming more like Jesus. The truth is Jesus models to us what perfect friendship is. Jesus said this in John 15:12; “This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you.”

Furthermore, Jesus gives us the definition of how much he loves us in verse 13; “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

Jesus went to the cross for his friends and then on the third day God raised him back to life.

How do we lay down our life for our friends? Standing for truth and justice in one’s life is more important than reputation or accolades. Jesus is a friend of tax collectors and sinners. God will always reward loyal and selfless friendship.

Lord, thank you for loving me when I am at my worst and thank you for teaching me how to be a friend that loves not for what I can benefit from another but rather loving unconditionally because it is the right thing to do.

Dave Truncone is the pastor of First Assembly of God Church in Van Buren. He is married to Heidi and they have two daughters, Hannah, and Abigail. They live in Van Buren.