Divine Friendship

By Lisa Janusa

Friendship is described in Wikipedia as a relationship of mutual affection between two people. Encyclopedia Britannica’s definition is a state of enduring affection, esteem, intimacy and trust for another.

What is the purpose of friendship and are we called to have a friendship with God that is Divine?

In the Gospel of John 15:13 Jesus describes friendship as “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” This is the highest example of friendship, but are we capable of this kind of sacrifice?

In the beginning of creation, God made man and woman for each other. They were not meant to be alone. We experience our first friendships in our families. Later, we make friends on the playground, in school, church and neighborhoods.

It isn’t easy to make and keep friends. Soon, we learn that friendship is something we must cherish and develop if we want it to bless us. If we are selfish, then friendships will be shallow and self-serving.

Our good and bad friendships will form us. Parents need to guide their children in choosing their friends. What about our friendship with God? Does God want a true friendship with each of his children? Yes, and God made us to be in divine relationship with him.

“I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father” John 15:15.

God loves us and desires that we be His friend. Let us be friends with God because His friendship is divine and will lead us to true and eternal happiness. What a friend we have in Jesus.