Scripture

No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.(John 15:15, ESV)

Thoughts

You are a friend of Jesus. He has not hidden from you anything that the Father has revealed to him. He has made all known to you as his friend. Think about a friend or true companion—how does he or she act and how is closeness developed? In these two proverbs you will see three characteristics of a friend or true companion, and one characteristic of an enemy:

A friend loves at all times,

   and a brother is born for adversity.  (Proverbs 17:17, ESV)

Faithful are the wounds of a friend;

   profuse are the kisses of an enemy.(Proverbs 27:6, ESV)

A friend loves no matter what. Jesus is this kind of friend showing constant, unfailing love. He walks with you through your adversity. He affirms and reassures, and he also is faithful to correct you. His correction may feel like a wound at the time, but in the long run it is a blessing. 

Application

What type of friend are you? Are you a friend who only blows meaningless kisses? Or are you a faithful friend who is willing to love at all times? Here’s what I know: going through adversity together, or working through a conflict, can develop true closeness.

Prayer

Lord, help me to be a true friend to others. Help me to stay faithful even in the midst of adversity and differences…. Continue praying.