What Jesus teaches about Friendship
Introduction
Welcome to our short devotional on what Jesus teaches about friendship. Friendship is a gift from God, and it’s important to understand how we can be good friends to others and cultivate deep, meaningful relationships in our lives. Let’s dive into this study together and learn from the greatest friend of all, Jesus Christ.
Bible Verse
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” – John 15:13 (NIV)
Meaning
This verse from the book of John highlights the ultimate example of friendship – sacrificial love. Jesus teaches us that true friendship involves selflessness and a willingness to put the needs of others above our own. He modeled this perfectly by laying down his life for us, demonstrating the greatest love and friendship imaginable.
Actions to Take
- Show selfless love to your friends by being there for them in times of need.
- Practice forgiveness and grace in your friendships, just as Jesus has shown to us.
- Seek ways to serve and support your friends, putting their needs before your own.
Journal Prompts
- Reflect on a time when a friend has shown sacrificial love to you. How did it impact you?
- Consider the ways you can be a better friend to those in your life. What changes can you make?
- Write about a friendship in your life that has stood the test of time. What makes it so special?
Prayer
Dear God, thank you for the example of true friendship that Jesus has shown us. Help us to be selfless and loving in our relationships, just as He was. Guide us in being better friends to those around us and may our friendships reflect the love of Christ. Amen.
Social Posts
“True friendship is sacrificial love. Let’s strive to be selfless and loving in our relationships, just as Jesus was. #Friendship #SacrificialLove”
“As Jesus laid down his life for us, let’s also lay down our lives for our friends. That’s the greatest love of all. #TrueFriendship #LoveLikeJesus”
“Reflecting on John 15:13 today and the powerful message of friendship and sacrificial love it conveys. Let’s be better friends to those around us. #FriendshipGoals #LoveOneAnother”
Conclusion
As we wrap up this study on what Jesus teaches about friendship, may we carry the message of sacrificial love and selflessness into our relationships. Let’s strive to be the kind of friends that reflect the love of Christ and make a positive impact in the lives of those around us. We hope this study has encouraged you, and we invite you to continue exploring more with us at BGodInspired.com. Blessings to you!
Journaling – Your Pathway to Purposeful Mornings!
Q&A about what Jesus teaches about Friendship
Q: What does Jesus teach about the importance of friendship?
A: Jesus teaches that true friendship is selfless and sacrificial. He emphasizes the importance of loving one another as he has loved us (John 15:12-13) and being willing to lay down one’s life for a friend.
Q: How does Jesus encourage us to choose our friends?
A: Jesus encourages us to associate with those who share our faith and values, and to avoid being yoked with those who may lead us astray spiritually (2 Corinthians 6:14).
Q: What does Jesus say about forgiveness and reconciliation in friendships?
A: Jesus teaches that forgiveness is essential in maintaining healthy and lasting friendships. He instructs us to forgive as we have been forgiven (Matthew 6:14-15) and to seek reconciliation with our friends before bringing our gifts to God (Matthew 5:23-24).
Q: How does Jesus model friendship in his own life?
A: Jesus models friendship by being a compassionate and loyal friend to his disciples, and by demonstrating the ultimate act of friendship through his sacrifice on the cross for the salvation of humanity.
Q: What are some practical ways we can live out Jesus’ teachings on friendship?
A: Some practical ways to live out Jesus’ teachings on friendship include showing compassion and empathy, being a good listener, offering support and encouragement, and being willing to forgive and reconcile with our friends.
