The Honor Of Your Friendship

I have called you friends. -John 15:15


During the marriage ceremony of a British couple, the best man remained motionless. Even vows were exchanged, he didn't move.

The still figure was a racecar driver who was trying to be in two places at one time. Because of contractual commitments, Andy Priaulx, three-time world touring-car champion, had to break his promise to participate in his firend's wedding. So he sent a life-size cardboard coutout of himself, as well as a prerecorded speech. The bride said she was moved by his effort to honor their marriage.

Priaulx's gesture was certainly creative, and we shouldn't second-guess his actions. But Jesus gave us another standard by which to gauge friendship.

Jesus asked His disciples to show their friendsip to Him by lovning one another as He had loved them. Then, He raised the bar. In anticipation of His death on the cross, He said, "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends" (John 15:13).

This depth of friendship isn't merely about doing the right thing. It's about sacrifice, and it springs out of a relationship with the One who truly did lay down His life for us.

Are we showing others that we have been loved by Jesus as He is loved by His Father? (v.9). - Mart De Haan


Love is more that a sentiment, it's putting another's needs ahead of your own.

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John 15:9-17

Even as the Father has loved me, I also have loved you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and remain in his love.

I have spoken these things to you, that my joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be made full. "This is my commandment, that you love one another, even as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.

You are my friends, if you do whatever I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant doesn't know what his lord does. But I have called you friends, for everything that I heard from my Father, I have made known to you.

You didn't choose me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain; that whatever you will ask of the Father in my name, he may give it to you. "I command these things to you, that you may love one another.

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