James 2:23, “And the scripture was fulfilled that says, Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness, and he was called God’s friend.”

Wow, could you imagine what it must have felt like for Abraham to be called “God’s friend?”  Friendship is a relationship that is mutually beneficial for both persons who like to have fellowship with each other.  Thus, by God calling Abraham His friend, God was affirming His great love and appreciation for Abraham’s companionship.

The Bible teaches us that God has no needs, thus it wasn’t like God wanted to find someone to hang out with because He was lonely.  However, God in His infinite love desired to have intimate relationships with His own creation.  David understood this great honor when he said in Psalm 8:4, “what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?”

Also Jesus, God in the flesh, said in John 15:15, “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his masters business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.”  Therefore, not only was Abraham a friend of God, but also so were the disciples.  And so are you when you believe in God the way they did.  For James says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness, and he was called God’s friend.”

As a result, when people place their full trust in God and His Word their sins are forgiven, they are made righteous, and are then brought into close relationship with Him.  Thus, if you have placed your faith in Jesus you are God’s friend!

As God’s friend do you spend time with Him everyday?  Do you enjoy being in His presence?  Do you introduce Him to your other friends?  Or are you ashamed of Him and His character?  I would like to challenge as God’s friend to never be ashamed of your friendship with Him, but rather in all you do aim to please and honor Him, because He has given you the highest honor by being your friend!

God is so loving that He allowed us to be His friends, therefore, I pray you will love Him in return with all your heart and be a good friend!

Reflection

Are you a good friend to God?

Action

  1. Examine your life to see if you honor your friendship with God on the job, in your home, and out with your other friends.
  2. If there are things you do that displease God and dishonor your friendship with Him, repent and ask Him to forgive you.
  3. Live everyday of your life being mindful of your best friend.