Our Savior, in His time on the earth, was our example in every way. He not only
taught us how to live, but He showed us how to live, how to behave, and how to treat
others. One of the things that stands out to me about the life of Christ is the relationships
he developed with the twelve men he hand-picked to be with Him. These men, who came
from a variety of backgrounds and occupations, were all uniquely loved and cherished by
Jesus. It is obvious that they meant more to Christ than merely the men who would carry
on His work after he went back to Heaven. The Lord sought a friendship with each
disciple that was personal and special to him. It is striking to me that even Judas Iscariot,
when he came to betray Jesus, was directly referred to by the Savior in Matthew 26:50 as
“Friend.” In his last conversation with Judas, Jesus assured him of His love for him,
though that love was never reciprocated, and that friendship was never returned.
Friendship is an ingredient, that when added to the relationships we enjoy, make
life so sweet! My husband and I have been happily married for over twenty-seven years.
Our lives have been incredibly busy with five children, ministry responsibilities, and the
hustle and bustle of life. I’ll be the first to admit, it can be overwhelming at times, but our
commitment to each other has been enhanced and strengthened through the years by the
friendship that brings us together. We are a lot of things to each other, but near the top of
that list is the fact that we are friends!
As our older children now become adults, it has been rewarding to see our
relationships with them enriched by the deepening of friendship. Our relationship as
parents with them was chosen by God, but now we choose to make them our friends! The
joys of parenting great kids are now compounded by the joys of friendship!
We can apply this concept to so many relationships of life. Proverbs 17:17 says,
A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. Just as Jesus’ friendship
was extended to everyone with whom He crossed paths, we too can reach out to those in
our circle of influence. It may be a troubled teenager, a lonely senior saint, or a busy
mother. In any case, being a true friend requires effort on our part. It means leaving our
comfort zone and reaching out to those who need the love of Christ. Friendship is one of
life’s most precious gifts, and God has given us the power to give it. When we choose to
be a friend to those around us, life is sweeter for us all!