What Jesus teaches about Friendship
Introduction
What does it mean to be a friend? Do our friendships mirror the love and commitment that Jesus called us to manifest? These are important questions that require our reflection. Through Jesus, we can understand what authentic friendship looks like, where love, sacrifice and commitment take precedence. Through this devotional, let us dive into the teachings of Jesus about friendship and apply these principles in our lives.
Devotion to understand Jesus’ teachings on friendship aims to bring you closer to the realities of how divine love can manifest through friendship. It’s about embracing His teachings to establish stronger, more meaningful relationships.
Bible Verse
John 15:13 – “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
Meaning
This verse from the Gospel of John is among the most profound explanations of true friendship offered by Jesus. Giving life for a friend is the epitome of love. It doesn’t necessarily mean dying for a friend. It can also mean sacrificing your comfort, your resources, and your time for the good of your friend.
Christ lived these words by dying on the cross, but also throughout His life, He consistently poured out Love towards others. He healed, listened, guided, and loved. He put others before Himself. We are called to have this same approach with our friendships – to love unconditionally, to serve without expecting anything in return, and to be there for each other in times of need.
Actions to Take
- Practice active listening when a friend shares with you.
- Look for ways to serve or help a friend in need, even if they don’t ask for it.
- Forgive friends who have wronged you, as Christ has forgiven us all.
- Pray for your friends regularly, especially those who are going through tough times.
- Spend quality time with your friends to strengthen your bond.
Journal Prompts
- How can I be a better friend?
- Have I let go of every bitterness I might have against any of my friends?
- What is one way I can demonstrate faithful love to my friends this week?
- Who are the friends that have displayed Christ’s love to me?
- What characteristics of Jesus can I develop to better love my friends?
Prayer
Dear Lord, thank You for the gift of friendship. Teach me to love my friends as You loved us—selflessly, sacrificially, and unconditionally. Grow me into the friend that supports, listens, and encourages. Help me to put my friends’ needs ahead of my own, just as you demonstrated through your life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Social Posts
- “A true friend loves at all times, and a brother is for adversity. Proverbs 17:17”
- “Jesus calls us not only to be friends but also to love one another sacrificially as He did. #LoveLikeJesus”
- “Greater love no one has than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” John 15:13 #BibleTruth”
- “Serve one another in love. Galatians 5:13 #BibleWisdom”
- “Friendship is one of the sweetest joys of life. Cherish it. #FriendshipGoals”
Conclusion
Friendship is a beautiful aspect of our lives, and it becomes even more valuable when it mirrors the love of Christ. As you practice Jesus’ teachings on friendship, you will be creating bonds that speak of His divine love, transforming lives, and possibly the world. The Holy Spirit will guide you every step of the way.
Join us for more insights and reflections at BGodInspired.com. Building friendships based on Jesus’ teachings leads to stronger relationships that echo the love of God.
Journaling – Your Pathway to Purposeful Mornings!
Q&A about what Jesus teaches about Friendship
Q: What does Jesus teach about friendship?
A: According to Jesus, friendship is based on love, sacrifice, and loyalty. In John 15:13, He states that “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends”. This exemplifies that true friends should be ready to sacrifice even their own lives for the sake of their friends.
Q: How does Jesus describe a friend in the gospel of John?
A: Jesus says in John 15:15, “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.”
Q: Does Jesus instruct followers to love their friends in the same way He loved us?
A: Yes, in John 15:12, Jesus instructed his followers, “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.”
Q: What is Jesus emphasizing about friendship in His teachings?
A: Jesus emphasizes that friendship is not passive, but actively seeks out ways to love, serve, and sacrifice for others. He highlights the idea that true friendship transcends the boundaries of servitude and equals a deep understanding and sharing of common values.
Q: According to Jesus, what is the ultimate sacrifice in a friendship?
A: According to Jesus, the ultimate sacrifice in a friendship is laying down your own life for your friends, as stated in John 15:13.
