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I just want to share this to you. after several nights of thinking, researching and praying :), here it is.

Friendship with God

Text:James 2.23

“…’Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness ‘, and he was called God’s friend.”

Introduction:A Friend is…

Definition:

Friend (Webster) - One who entertains for another such sentiments of esteem, respect, and affection that he seeks his society and welfare; a wellwisher; an intimate associate; sometimes, an attendant.

The term “friend” is somewhat intimate and conveys a sense of closeness, trust, and sharing.

Questions to think about:

Knowing now the essence of friendship, or of a friend, the question now is… “Is friendship with God POSSIBLE?”

Further, what constitutes such kind of friendship?

Lastly, can we, having a sinful and imperfect nature, enjoy such a friendship with a Holy, Magnificent, Powerful, Perfect and Almighty God?

Is Friendship with God Possible?

Yes, it is possible. Take it from Abraham.

Isaiah 41:8 (NIV)

“But you O Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, you descendants of Abraham, my friend…”

God Himself claimed that He is friends with Abraham.It is remarkable that God, the Maker of all things, the Supreme Being of all beings, will regard a mortal, limited and physical human being, whom He just created from the dust of the ground, as His beloved friend.

How could this be?

What Constitutes Such Kind of Friendship?

The Keys:

1. Agreement
   1. Does not refer to merely agreeing to be friends. (Not asking “can we be friends?”, which does not suffice the true essence of an intimate and close friendship)
   2. Refers to agreeing in thoughts, likes, dislikes, opinions and ideas. (Mention the sayings “birds of the same feather flock together” and “tell me who your friends are and I will tell you who you are”).We were able to encounter several persons in our life as acquaintances, but we only consider one or few of them as our close friends.This is because generally, these are the persons who thinks and does things like us.We share with them the same beliefs and principles in life.Clashing minds, different opinions, and diverse principles can not constitute an intimate, close friendship.Amos 3.3
   3. Refers to a give and take relationship.Abraham was in total agreement with God because he obeyed Him faithfully and without hesitations.Though he is unsure of the outcome of his obedience, he undoubtedly followed God’s orders in detail. In return, God promised him blessings, enlarged territory, and a vast number of descendants. – Genesis 26.5
2. Loyalty and Devotion
   1. Sticking with one another through thick and thin.True friends support each other, willing to sacrifice for each other, and are available for each other at any given time.
   2. Laying down everything, even your life.Perfect example – Jesus.John 15.13
   3. Obedience is still essential.Sacrifice, which is a key ingredient to loyalty and devotion, is also a manifestation of obedience.Just like what Abraham did when God commanded him to sacrifice his one and only son, Isaac.Again, without any iota of doubt and defiance, Abraham obeyed.He would have asked God to sacrifice another human instead of his son, which is a child of promise, wherein through Isaac, God’s promise to Abraham will be fulfilled, as said in Genesis 17.But since Abraham is loyal and devoted to God, he never thought of doing that.He just obeyed.And because of this, God was pleased in him and called him His friend.
3. Trust and Confidence – John 15.15

a.Refers to the ability and capacity to freely share your deepest thoughts, hurts, joys and convictions; without any feeling of betrayal.With real friends we can discuss what is on our mind, we can share our joys, our observations, our plans, and even our sorrows and regrets. When there is deep and intense friendship, nothing needs to be held back.

b.Trust and confidence are complements of the first two keys.You trust a person and you can freely confide anything with him because you believe that he can understand you and can relate to whatever is in your mind, you believe that he will listen and be able to help you.Another thing is because you believe that he will stick with you no matter what happens.

c.Refers to the ability to freely communicate.Abraham was able to enjoy this key with the Lord in Genesis 18 when he was able to talk freely with the Lord together with the two angels; the time when the Lord is about to fulfill His covenant of giving him Isaac as his son.Another instance is before the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, wherein he freely exchanged words with the Lord regarding the destruction of the said cities.

Conclusion:Who Am I, Lord?

God is not a respecter of persons.What this means is that He has an equal and unconditional love for each person He has ever created and He is not going to be playing favorites with anyone.Regardless of your past, imperfections, and downfalls, He is most willing to extend His hand of friendship to everyone.All we have to do is reach for it.

He is also willing to fill our emptiness, aid us in our difficulties, celebrate with us in our joy, and comfort us in our sorrow—all of which are things done by a true friend.On our part, let us be also willing to be in agreement with Him, be loyal, devoted and trustworthy—for us to become His friends.

God is the ultimate example of a true and loving friend.

~ by karensantiago on January 24, 2009.