Friends of God

Servants of God, creation of God, even children of God, but friends of God?  Have you ever really considered yourself one of God's friends, his companions, his confidants?  It's a bit hard for most to see themselves in that role. 

And yet, Jesus called his disciple just that, "you are my friends" (Jn 15:15).  You might be thinking that they were special like Abraham and Moses, who were both called friends of God (cf. Isa 41:8; Ex 33:11).  But that was not the qualifier Jesus gave.  Rather he said, "You are my friends if you do as I command" (Jn 15:14).

He further explained what it meant to follow his command: "My comman is this, love each other as I have loved you" (Jn 15:12).  We are called to have the forgiving and redemptive love for each other that God has for us. When we love that way, we will go about doing the Father's business and there for be his companions and friends. 

That is why "in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love (Gal 5:6).  This is the bottom line, the demarcation of friendship with God: Love as he loved us. 

To love this way needs no other qualifier, no other command. For "Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law" (Rom 13:10).  As the ancient rabbis would say, "Love and do as you will."  When we truly love, love as God loves, we will seek God's blessings for all and do no harm but good for others. 

Jus' Sayn.