What Kind Of Friend Are You?

One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24

Friends are very important. To be a friend you need to be friendly. Sometimes friends can disappoint us. We are not to put our total trust in them. Guess who is our very best friend? Jesus. That is right. He will not unfriend you ever. He can be trusted. He is not moody or fickle. He puts you first. He understands your heartbreaks and pains. Too bad earthly friends are not fail proof like our savior. Indeed the old hymn 'What A Friend We Have In Jesus' is so true.

Who is your best friend? Is it Jesus? I tried to teach our sons through the acronym J.O.Y. that Jesus was first, others second, and themselves last. This sort of slaps the worlds' view in the face. Look out for number one. Go for the gusto! For a believer there should be no question that Jesus is your best friend and should be the one you keep a daily morning appointment with before dashing out the door.

If you remember to think more highly of others right after Jesus of course, you will be a much better friend, and have a fulfilled life. Start setting up that appointment with your best friend each day!

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I thank you for being there when the world seemingly has run out. When hurts come you are there in the midst of them. I choose to make you my best friend. In Jesus' name. Amen.

MY BEST FRIEND

When asked who your best friend is, if you are married you might
answer your spouse. Perhaps you might list a dear friend from high
school or college. Maybe you will say your mom or dad or your sibling.
Do you ever consider Jesus as your best friend? Would you like Him to
be?

To be a best friend you need to be loyal, kind, uplifting, faithful,
honest, and loving. Jesus is all that and more. You may not be able to
call Him up and have Him meet you for coffee but He is with you
everywhere you go anyway. ( See Matthew 28:20).

Sometimes earthly friends can disappoint or hurt us. Jesus will never
hurt you, abandon you, be ashamed of you ,or forsake you.

When our youngest son was very small and he would often tell us he
loved us 'one less than God'. From the mouth of babes. A friend told
me she was praying for her child's spouse to love God more than her
child. Isn't that awesome?! When you love the Lord you hunger for His
word and want to put Him first. You love every person to include your
spouse if you are married, with the love God has given you, that
being unconditional love. Who wouldn't want that?

Matthew 22:37(NIV) says 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart,
your soul, and all your mind.'. Mark 12:31(NIV) further states the
greatest commandment is 'to love your neighbor as yourself.'

Do you want to truly make Jesus first in 2013 and let Him be your best
friend. By spending quality time with Him in His word you will be a
better friend to your earthly best friend.

PRAYER: Lord I want you to be my best friend. I know loving you first
and spending time in your word helps me to love others better with the
love only you can give. In Jesus name. Amen.