Daily Companion  | 21 October

TRUE FRIENDSHIP

“Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. John 15:14

It is a known fact that friends will always do each other's bidding. This is what makes them friends, right? You can't work for the opponent unless you are a traitor. Today's key verse, in every sense of it, is not meant to project an oppressive or slavery contract. True friendship or companionship is a mutually and freely administered covenant between two parties. It is to listen to each other, support each other's points and support each other when it matters.

Similarly, Christ asks if you are truly a friend you will stand with Him. Despite the huge gap by all standards, He chose to make friends with us all irrespective of our age. This is amazing. Christ said, "No longer do I call you servants... but I have called you friends” (John 15:15). He kept a companionship with the apostles so close and strong that it took a traitor to distinguish Him from his disciples. 

Companionship is not coercion. Friendship cannot be forced. Friendship is not bondage. If you think your faith in Christ puts you in bondage, then you may after all not be a true friend of His. Likewise, if you think your marriage is a prison, maybe you have not married your companion. Don't deal treacherously with your spouse. Malachi 2:14 says "yet is she thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant." Friendship is marked by love and selflessness. Christ enjoys interacting with His friends face-to-face not at a distance, as “the LORD spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend.” (Exodus 33:11). 

Dear friend, if you have Jesus as your friend, you cannot deny Him publicly. You will not oppose Him with your actions or words. If He is a true friend of Yours you will do exactly what He says and not what the enemy says. In return and with time, He becomes “a friend that sticketh closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24). He is ever willing to make you His friend if you repent and follow Him. But He needs your sincerity and trust too. He needs your loyalty and unwavering faith in Him. He wants you to listen to Him as much as you want Him to listen to you. 

Today’s Recite: “I am a companion of all who fear You, and of those who keep Your precepts. - Psalms 119:63 (NKJV)

Today’s Morning Prayer: O Lord Jesus I thank You for humbling Yourself to make me Your friend. The door of my heart and life is opened to You today. I want to stand by You; do many things with You; work with You; dine with You; travel with You - do the Father's business with You. Grant me the grace to keep a true friendship with you till the end. May Your companionship bring unending joy, peace and prosperity to my life. Amen!

Today’s Hymn:  WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS   (CHS 127)

Today’s ReadMe:  Acts 10 - 14