Devotional

True friendship is one of life’s greatest joys. A friend who truly understands you, walks through life with you, and loves you even when you're difficult to love is a rare treasure. A true friend challenges you, corrects you when you’re off course, and supports you when life gets hard.

Jesus offers this kind of friendship to us. He offers a closeness that’s deeper than mere companionship. He doesn’t just serve as our leader or Savior, He offers to be our friend. Jesus spent time with His disciples, not just teaching them, but befriending them. He ate with them, listened to them, corrected them, and comforted them. Though they were often slow to understand, Jesus remained faithful and committed to them.

In John 15:13-15, Jesus declares that there is no greater love than laying down one’s life for friends. And that’s exactly what He did for us. He didn’t wait for us to prove our worth; He went first. Jesus offered His love before we could return it. He sacrificed Himself not for perfect people, but for those who needed grace.

Jesus’ love for His friends wasn’t based on their perfection. In fact, He was called a "friend of tax collectors and sinners" (Luke 7:34, ESV) because He didn’t shy away from messy people. He sought them out, met them where they were, and called them into redemption. Jesus didn’t distance Himself from the broken. He drew near. And that’s what true friendship looks like, showing up, staying close, and loving unconditionally.

Challenge

This week, be a friend like Jesus. Choose to love first, stay when it gets messy, and walk beside someone instead of trying to fix them. Think about one person you can bless with your friendship, not through grand gestures, but with presence, patience, and compassion.

Prayer

Jesus, thank You for being my Friend. You are faithful, loving, and always present. Thank You for laying down Your life for me. Teach me to be a true friend that is faithful, sacrificial, and always willing to walk beside others in their joys and struggles. Help me to love without conditions and to offer grace as You have done for me. Amen.

The Man We Needed

Jesus, our Friend, never abandoned, never forsook, and never gave up on those He loved. He showed us what true friendship looks like. Now, by God's grace, we are called to be the friend others need.

Be the man they need.