What Jesus teaches about Friendship
Introduction
When we ponder the element of friendship, the teachings of Jesus Christ shed a profound light, enveloping every aspect of human camaraderie with divine insight. In our journey of faith, strengthening our understanding and connection with friends similarly seeking God allows us to experience a shared sense of purpose and fellowship like no other.
The model of friendship Jesus Christ displayed isn’t just about mutual respect, shared interests, or regular communication. It goes beyond earthly definitions; it’s about humility, sacrificial love, and ultimate selflessness. Let’s dive deeper into the compelling teachings of Jesus on friendship.
Bible Verse
“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you.”
(John 15:13-14 ESV)
Meaning
These verses from the book of John allows us to glimpse Jesus’s heart towards friendship. He speaks of sacrificial love, underscoring the concept of laying down one’s life for friends. This statement refers not only to physical life but also to the selfless act of prioritizing others’ needs over personal desires.
Further on, Jesus qualifies who His friends are – those who obey His commands. Jesus isn’t imposing a standard but inviting us to express our love through obedience to His word. Therefore, true friendship according to Jesus, is about shared values, mutual respect, unconditional love, selflessness, trust, and obedience to His teachings.
Actions to Take
- Practice selflessness: Prioritize others’ needs over personal desires.
- Show unconditional love: Extend love to friends without expecting anything in return.
- Obey Jesus’ teachings: Friendship with Jesus is proven through obedience to His word.
Journal Prompts
- How have I demonstrated love and selflessness in my friendships?
- What steps can I take to align my friendships more closely with Jesus’ teachings?
- How can obedience to Jesus’ teachings strengthen my friendships?
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you for the model of friendship you’ve shown us through Jesus Christ. Guide me to be a friend that mirrors His love, one that operates in humility, trust, and obedience to Your words. Help me express sacrificial love, putting the needs of my friends above my own desires. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.
Social Posts
- “True friendship stems from sacrificial love and obedience to Jesus’ teachings. #JesusFriendship”
- “No greater love than this—that one gives their life for a friend. Let’s emulate Jesus’ teachings today. #LoveLikeJesus”
- “To be a friend of Jesus is to obey His commands. Let’s walk together on this path of obedience. #John15”
Conclusion
Journeying through Jesus’ incredible teachings on friendship allows us to form deeper connections with those around us while enriching our relationship with Him. Our friendships should mirror the love, selflessness, and obedience that Christ showed throughout his life.
Continue this journey with us in our next Bible study at BGodInspired.com. Explore more teachings of Christ and how they apply to our daily lives. In learning and applying these divine truths, we can foster friendships that not only endure the tests of time but also honor the teachings of Jesus.
Do you want to know more about what Jesus teaches about ANY topic? Then try our What Jesus Teaches GPT. This is a great modern-day companion – simply search any topic and see what Jesus has to say about it.
