Friendship!

One of the joys of living is found in the development of good friendships. Those friendships can be greatly impacting, even to the point of changing the course of our life. Perhaps we have some friendships that have impacted us to the extent we realize our life could never have been the same without them.

I recently came across the following quotation regarding friendship. “Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born.” (Anais Nin) Isn’t that a beautiful description of the blessing a friendship can be in life? A friendship can open up a NEW WORLD of experiences and possibilities that might never have otherwise been known. A close abiding connection with another individual has the potential to bring birth to many NEW THINGS.

To His disciples, Jesus said…
“(12) This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. (13) GREATER LOVE has no one than this, that someone LAYS DOWN HIS LIFE FOR HIS FRIENDS. (14) YOU ARE MY FRIENDS IF YOU DO WHAT I COMMAND YOU.” ( John 15:12-14 ESV)

Our friendship with Jesus doesn’t need to impact Him other than to bring Him joy in our submission to His Will. However, His friendship to us should be life changing. In seeking a friendship with us, Jesus was willing to lay down His life, and in that giving the door was opened to NEW LIFE for both now and eternity.

Paul encouraged the church at Corinth saying…
“Therefore, IF ANYONE IS IN CHRIST, HE IS A NEW CREATION. The old has passed away; behold, THE NEW HAS COME.” ( 2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV)

Do we truly recognize the blessing of the friendship with Jesus? By being united with Him in baptism we are provided the opportunity to “walk in NEWNESS OF LIFE” ( Romans 6:4) as in Him we become a NEW CREATION. Living life in Christ should be like living in a whole NEW WORLD, having died to the old self in order to live for Him.

Life in Christ opens up NEW HORIZONS -- a whole new world of possibilities now and a steadfast hope for eternity -- as we can look confidently toward that NEW HOME He has gone to Heaven to prepare for us. Of all the life impacting friendships we enjoy, may we guard the one we have with Jesus the most! We could ask for no better friend.

Have a great day DYNAMICALLY AND ETERNALLY CHANGED BY CHRIST!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Friendship