More than Friends

When God walked in the evening in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve, one can suppose that they may have walked and talked with Him as friends do (Gen 3:8); however, the first case of “friendship” actually recorded in the Bible was between God and Enoch, alluded to in Genesis 5:24: Enoch was walking in close fellowship with God. In the next instance of friendship (Exod 33:11), the Lord spoke to Moses “face to face, as a man speaks to his friend”. Abraham was also said to be God’s friend as recounted by James, “and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness —and he was called a friend of God” (Jas 2:23).

David, a man after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22), learned a great deal about the nature of friendship thru his relationship with Jonathan (King Saul’s Son). This friendship was a type representing the heart of God in His friendship with us. What is the hallmark of a friend? According to scripture, A friend loves at all times (Proverbs 17:17). We also see the profound nature of that love in how Jonathan loved David Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself (1 Sam 18:1).

Later, Jesus said “I have called you friends” (John 15:15), and He laid down His very life for us. We can tend to forget that our relationship with Jesus is a real relationship, meaning reciprocal - a two-way street. This means Jesus loves us, and we love Him back. Jesus said that there is a way that we can prove our friendship to Him, and that is to do what He commands us (John 15:14). Another way for us to show that we are friends with God is to respect Him. According to scripture, the Lord is a friend to those who fear [respect, revere - Strongs] Him” (Ps 25:14 NLT). Today because of what Jesus has done for us on the cross, we are reconciled to God…we are friends!

We are more than friends, we are His beloved! Only Israel (Deu 33:12), Daniel (10:11), and John (21:20) were called “beloved” in Scripture until Jesus died for us. Now we are all called “beloved” too (Romans 1:7). Do you believe that you are beloved of God deep down inside where you live? Believe it! Call on Jesus to help you live it today.