Obedience and Transparency 

You can never accurately say you are friendless. 

The God who created everything out of nothing, who always was and always will be, whose name is Faithful and True, calls you His friend. 

Two qualifications to be Jesus’ friend mentioned here are obedience and transparency. Friendship with Jesus goes with obeying His commands. His disciples were His friends because they were obedient, if not perfectly so. ‘Ye are my friends if ye do whatsoever I command you.’ Some think it is quite sufficient if they avoid what He forbids. Abstinence from evil is a great part of righteousness, but it is not enough for friendship.” (Spurgeon)

Jesus also called His disciples His friends because He made known to them all things that He heard from His Father. Jesus did not keep secrets from them, but openly revealed what He had received from the Father. 

Are you feeling friendless? Betrayed? The Lord Jesus calls you His friend. How are your life and lifestyle reflecting your friendship with Jesus? 

What a privilege to be your friend Lord, thank you. Help me be increasingly obedient and honest with you I pray.