Embracing Your True Self: Living in Your Christ-Centered Identity With Jennifer SlatteryNäide

You are Christ's friend.

Rhea didn’t have the best history when it came to making and keeping friends. In her teen and early adult years, she remained pleasant with peers but failed to form deep and lasting bonds. Then, when she became a parent and started connecting with other moms, primarily for her daughter’s sake, it wasn’t long before she did or said something, usually triggered by a subconscious fear response, harmed the relationships she’d begun to form.

By the time she sought therapy decades later, the pain accumulated through unhealthy interactions made her prefer isolation over risking yet more hurt or regret. She assumed she’d forever remain friendless. But then she read that Jesus, the One who knew her fully and saw her at our worst, called her friend.

May we hold tight to and reflect upon that truth the next time we’re battling shame over relationships we’ve damaged or destroyed fear-driven reactions or when those we thought cared treat us poorly or reject us. May we never view ourselves as friendless, because in Jesus, we have the best, and most understanding and grace-giving friend possible. He is and always will be the friend that sticks closer than a brother.

Journal Prompt:

What are some of the qualities you most value in friends? How does, or has, Jesus displayed these characteristics? How might reflecting on His declaration of friendship comfort your soul when you feel rejected and excluded?