I have had many friends in my life — ones from childhood, my school years, university days, and adulthood. Many of these friendships waned, not for bad reasons, but simply because we moved on with our lives in career, location, and life. I have had a few unhappy friendships with people I cared for but who used me for their own purposes, then dropped me when I was no longer useful to them. Yet, I am fortunate to have a small group of faithful friends of many years, who love me for who I am and see the good in me, even when I cannot see it myself.

The best friendship to have is with God. The apostle Paul speaks of this friendship, bought at a great price:

Romans 5:10-11 – For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of His Son while we were still His enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of His Son. So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God. (NLT)

God's anger against ungodly behaviour and my lack of righteousness was placed on Jesus as my substitute. In this dramatic way, even while I was still His enemy, He died for me, opening the way for me to be reconciled to God. The blessings that I receive are all the greater for it, as illustrated by my poem.

Alone, afraid, apart.
My own friends were afar or gone,
You loved me from the start.
O Lord, You gave Yourself for me,
Your only Son to send.
When I was still Your enemy
Your grace made You my Friend.

We all can have a brand-new friendship with our Father God, not through any good things that we do, but because the Lord Jesus has made us friends with God. Some friends on earth may desert or disappoint us, but there are others who pray for us in loving support. Our Lord is a Friend who will never let us down or leave us; instead, He has made a promise:

Deuteronomy 31:8 – It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed. (ESV)

Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for Your loving and eternal friendship. We acknowledge what this friendship cost in the sacrifice of Jesus for our sins, so that we could be reconciled with You. May we be a blessing to our friends on earth with good deeds and prayer, and may we bless Your name for being our never-ending Friend. Amen.

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About the author:

Shirley Moulton <shirley_moulton@yahoo.ca>
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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