My oldest daughter was recently looking for a best friend. With three big moves in three years, her friends are now spread out over several continents.
Today, mere friends in elementary school aren’t good enough; you’ve got to have a BFF , which by the way can change daily.
“Mom, who is your BFF ?” my daughter asked. That’s actually a pretty good question. We desire to have someone whom we can know and count on forever. My husband would qualify as my best friend but lacks the “forever” designator since we didn’t meet until I was 26.
As her mother, I want her to know that the only person who really qualifies for the title in my or any of our lives is Jesus. Any 12-year-old girl would ultimately fail her in every way as a BFF . Other friends will love us based on what we do, wear, or say.
So with some gentle coaching, my husband and I redirected our daughter off her BFF search. You see, that role of BFF in her life, was already fulfilled: Jesus chose her several years ago.
Jesus Is Our Friend
1. Jesus calls us his friend. We are no longer servants. Servants don’t know what their master is doing. Jesus made known all that God told him. We are his friends because he didn’t withhold any of God’s instruction from us (John 15:15). How many friends have you had who always spoke truth with love? Jesus kept no secret from us. He shared God’s truth and love for us, openly, and freely.
2. Jesus died for us. Jesus showed his love and the depth of his friendship with us by laying down his life for us (John 15:13). Jesus put us before himself, modeling how we should love our friends.
3. Jesus loves us for who we are, not what we do, wear, or say. Our identity as a believer in Christ is based in Christ, as his friend. Our friendship with Jesus is not based on our common interests, hobbies, in how we act, how we dress, or what we say.
4. Jesus chose and knows us. Sometimes we choose friends and sometimes friends pursue and choose us. Jesus loved us first and chose us (John 15:16). He pursues us, accepts us, and knows us better than we know ourselves.
Jesus Is with Us Forever
1. Jesus lives forever. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the first and last, the beginning and the end (Revelation 22:13). He will never die on us. Our friendship with him will last forever because he lives forever.
2. Jesus will never leave us or forsake us. (Joshua 1:5; Hebrews 13:5). Jesus isn’t going to move away or pull away. He won’t quit on us. Jesus will never give us up for someone else or something else.
3. Jesus is always with us. He is with us to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20). Jesus is never too busy for us or occupied with other matters. He is present for every tear and every joy. Other friends will never be able to spend every moment with us. Jesus is with us always.
Some friends will leave us and forsake us, be busy, and ultimately take their last breaths. I’m so grateful my girl loves Jesus. He is the “one and only” best friend. Forever.
