The Marks of a good friend...

John 15:14 says, "You are my friends if you do what I command."

The Lord Jesus called his followers "friends," and Jesus showed them the marks of friendship. Jesus said, "As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you" (John 15:9). He said, "even laying down his life for them" (vs. 13). He taught them everything God had given Jesus, and, He gave the opportunities to share in His mission (vs. 15, 16).

As our friend and companion, Jesus walks with us. He listens to our heartaches and our hurts. When we're lonely and downhearted, Jesus keeps company with us. Not only that, but our friendship with Jesus becomes tighter when we love one another and do what Jesus commands (vs. 10, 17).

As we continue to live in these troubled times, we can count on the Lord for companionship and His friendship. Those are the marks of friendship, His friendship!

Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of friendship that you promise to us in the person of Jesus Christ. AMEN!