What Jesus teaches about Friendship
Introduction
In a world where friendship is often gauged by the number of social media likes or follows, we can learn a lot from Jesus’ teachings on friendship. The cherry on top of our lives, true friendships, according to Jesus, require more than just surface level interaction. They require genuine love, selflessness, and understanding.
Christ’s teachings offer us valuable insights into what a real friendship looks like, the sort that enriches our lives, brings us peace, and shapes us into better individuals. So let’s dive into what Jesus can teach us about friendship.
Bible Verse
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.” – John 15:13-14 NIV
Meaning
In these verses, Jesus sets the standard for friendship at the very highest level. He indicates the ideal nature of friendship – it is governed by selfless, sacrificial love. As Jesus himself did, we too are encouraged to make sacrifices for our friends, though this rarely implies dying in their place. In practical terms, it could be about giving up our comfort or time for their needs.
Jesus also links friendship to obedience, suggesting that friendship with Him is deeper than just words or feelings. It involves walking in His directives and truth. Being a friend to Jesus means living out his teachings in our interactions with others.
Actions to Take
- Understand that friendship requires selflessness. Are there ways you can act selflessly in your relationships right now?
- Assess your friendships. Are they filled with the kind of deep, sacrificial love that Jesus defined?
- Try to view your friendships through Jesus’ eyes. What might he want you to change?
- Think of ways you can demonstrate the love of Christ in your friendships.
- Show love by standing up for them, being loyal, and remaining trustworthy even when it’s challenging.
Journal Prompts
- What selfless action can you take today for a friend in need?
- As a friend, how do you live out Jesus’ teachings?
- In what ways can you improve to become a better friend?
- In what ways have your friends reflected the love of Christ to you?
- What specific steps do you need to take to implement Jesus’ teachings about friendship in your life?
Prayer
Dear Lord, guide me to be a good friend as you are with us. Help me to develop the selfless love you showed us as an example. May my friendships reflect your love and teachings. And when friendships are challenging, give me the strength to stick around and provide support. In your loving name, I pray. Amen.
Social Posts
- “Jesus teaches us that true friendship means selfless love. Let’s learn to give without expecting anything in return. #JesusTeaches #TrueFriendship”
- “In a world full of surface-level social media likes, let’s aim for Christ-like, deep, and meaningful friendships. #JesusTeaches #TrueFriendship”
- “Being a friend to Jesus means living out His teachings in our interactions with others. Are we ready to accept this challenge? #JesusTeaches #TrueFriendship”
- “Let’s make our friendships enriching, peaceful, and shaping – just as Jesus wanted them to be. #JesusTeaches #TrueFriendship”
Conclusion
True friendship, as Jesus teaches us, is about selfless love, sticking by each other in tough times, and living in obedience to His teachings. It’s a tall order indeed but one that shapes us into better human beings, fills us with peace, and makes our lives truly enriching. In a world where friendships are often surface-level, let’s dare to love deeply, just as Christ loves us.
Keep exploring these beautiful truths and more with us as we delve deeper into God’s word here at BGodInspired.com, your companion in this spiritual journey!
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