Friendship That Makes a Difference
Author: Ed Lugo
The Lord Jesus Christ gave us the definition of a true friend:
"Greater love has no one than this that he lay down his life for
his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no
longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his
master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for
everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you"
(John15:13-15). Jesus is the pure example of a true friend, for He
laid down His life for His "friends." What is more, anyone may
become His friend by trusting in Him as his personal savior, being
born again and receiving new life in Him.
There is an example of true friendship between David and Saul's son
Jonathan, who, in spite of his father Saul's pursuit of David and
attempts to kill him, stood by his friend. You will find that story
in 1 Samuel chapter 18 through chapter 20.
Proverbs is another good source of wisdom regarding friends. "A
friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity"
(Proverbs 17:17). "A man of many companions may come to ruin, but
there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother" (Proverbs
18:24).
Finally, the real definition of a true friend comes from the
Apostle Paul: "For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet
perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God
demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still
sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:7-8). "Greater love has no
one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends." (John
15:13). Now, that is true friendship, and it's
demonstrated by a caring attitude.
Try this exercise that I give the men at Oliver Gospel
Mission.
- List one teacher who aided your journey through school.
- Name someone who helped you through difficult times.
- List one person that has taught you something worthwhile.
- Think of a person that made you feel, appreciated and
special.
- Think of a person you enjoy spending time with.
- Name a person whose life story has inspired you.
WHAT IS THE LESSON?
The people who make a difference in your life are people who
care about you!
MAKE A DIFFERENCE ……Show someone a caring heart
today!!