by Elder Mike Chon
Who is your friend? Some people consider everyone that they know as their friend. Some only consider those closest to them as friends and the others as acquaintances. But how do we define someone as friend or not? As a believer we must go to the one source that defines and gives us the meaning to so many things in our everyday life. That source, of course, is the Word of God. Jesus defined his friends in John 15:12-17 and it may be surprising to hear what He has to say.
John 15:12-17
12“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13Greater love has no one than this, that someone lays down his life for his friends. 14You are my friends if you do what I command you. 15No 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. 16You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. 17These things I command you, so that you will love one another.
Jesus calls those that do what He commands to be His friends. Not only that but those that are His friends know Him and know His Father. What is even more amazing is that Jesus chose us to be His friend. If Jesus only considers those that are true believers to be His friends, then who do we consider to be our friends?
Who is your friend?
I written in the last several articles that encouragement is not just making you feel good, but it is ultimately for the purpose to help us love God and love Christ more. So whether it is through your children, through trials, or through other people we can be encouraged even though the circumstances may not appear “good” to those watching. Why? Because it causes us to examine ourselves and to consider the spiritual aspect of these circumstances, not just the physical circumstances itself. Therefore these circumstances are truly “good” because they encourage us to love God and Christ more. How about our friends who we enjoy being with? Aren’t they encouraging me since I enjoy being with them?
Who is your friend?
If true encouragement points us to love God and Christ more, then can an unbeliever truly do that? They will never intentionally encourage you to love God more in your life. They will never challenge you to live differently for God’s glory, or keep you accountable in the areas of your life that you are struggling with. They will never use God’s Word empowered by the Spirit to bring comfort in times of need. They will never remind you of the cross and the great sacrifice of Christ when we are selfish or unforgiving. They will never be an example of how to apply God’s Word into your life. They will never pray for you or with you. They will never understand why you enjoy speaking about the gospel all the time. The only thing they may encourage you to do is to pray more for their salvation. Can you truly call an unbeliever your friend?
Who is your friend?
Before we take this thought too far, I want to make sure that you are clear that I am not supporting “defriending” all unbelievers. Yes, I did make up a word. What I am saying however, is that those closest to you should and ought to be fellow believers that truly can encourage you to love God and Christ more in your life.
Who is your friend? Someone that is a friend of Christ and is able to encourage you to love God more. That person is your “true” friend. That person is the one that truly cares and loves you because they care enough to encourage you to love God more. They are not just there to make you feel good, but at times they may need to correct you, challenge you, exhort you, rebuke you so that you will love God more. They are also there to comfort you, to provide for you, to listen to you, to pray with you so that you will love God more.
Who is your friend? Someone that is fun to be with, or someone that is a friend of Christ? Someone that lets you complain and gossip, or someone that corrects and exhorts you? Someone that just has similar interests, or someone that seeks godliness? Someone that is your buddy, or someone that is your fellow soldier ready to fight the spiritual battles with you?
Who is your friend?
There is still something else that needs to be mentioned in understanding the depth of this thought. But it’ll have to wait until next time. Now some of you may not have a a true friend. Well, don’t be alarmed. Wait for my next article. Some of you may think you have a true friend. Well, get ready to be surprised.
Editor’s Note: Mike, I love you, and I love your articles. But you didn’t make up that word. 🙂