In the eternity of all things scriptural, love is the ultimate principle of the Christian life. Almost everywhere around the globe on the first day of the week, the located Church might be singing these words, “Jesus is Lord, my Redeemer, How he loves me, how I love Him.” What excellent words to hear! Thank you, oh God! But what are the principles of Love? Is love something which God demands of humanity, and if so, how is it best accomplished so that we MIGHT be pleasing unto the God of Heaven and the freeing of our souls. There are governing principles that guide you and me in the keeping of our souls unto Heaven. This evidence surrounds the eternal nature of being a friend of God. In other words, “A Friend of a Friend Is My Friend”.
For example, the Scriptures prove that Father Abraham was a friend of God (James 2:3, NKJV). How was this achieved? The Bible states, “just as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” Therefore know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham.” (Galatians 3:6-7). The Holy Spirit defines friendship between two or more people as one based on accountability! Too often, humanity strives to belittle friendship to a basic acquaintance level. This type of structuring does not please the God of Heaven. God determines the boundaries of salvation, and He regulates kinship as well.
When we study the Scriptures adequately, we see the pattern and purpose of those things which constitute lasting, godly friendships. Firstly, the most enduring quality of friendship is built on trust. Jesus challenges Peter after Peter’s betrayal in asking, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” (John 21:17b). Secondly, a great friendship is built on support. Jesus shared, probably, His greatest earthly prize with the disciple He loved by stating, “…Behold your mother!” And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home” (John 19:17b). Thirdly, Jesus acknowledged His disciples as those intimate enough with him and His mission to be considered friends. John 15:15 states, “No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.” Notice, it is God who names and determines the boundaries of the relationship, not mankind. We can call ourselves “a friend of God”, but would there be sufficient evidence to prove so? Fourthly, true friendship is tempered with respect. A mutual one with peers, a reverent respect when addressing the King of Life. Among the Brethren, we often fail at core friendship because there will always be those who love to have preeminence. This is, unfortunately, a very historical failure for mankind. It has also undone the Church in various matters (Luke 22:24-27). True friendship does not see Brethren who “need to be controlled and conditioned” but rather sheep in need of a Shepherd, benefiting from the Spiritual bread and water from Heaven that only true kinship seeks. And finally, the friend of my friend who is my friend as well, performs reciprocity in godly actions. Have you ever had a friend who only “needed” you when they were lonely? hungry? tired? guilty? broke? You get the picture! True friendship, one in which we SIMULTANEOUSLY benefit, derives from the unique core understanding of the value of a soul. Only those who practice these things will inherit the Kingdom (Galatians 3:29). Being good is good, but being obedient to OUR friend is better. Which one are you? It is never too late to allow God to lead. What do you have to lose other than your soul? Think about these things and God Bless,
Dr. Archie R. Green