Morning Devotional 062625 Faithful Friends

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

June 26, 2025

John 15:12-17

12 This is my commandment: love each other just as I have loved you. 13 No one has greater love than to give up one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command you. 15 I don’t call you servants any longer, because servants don’t know what their master is doing. Instead, I call you friends, because everything I heard from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You didn’t choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you could go and produce fruit and so that your fruit could last. As a result, whatever you ask the Father in my name, he will give you. 17 I give you these commandments so that you can love each other.

Good Morning! What a friend we have in Jesus!

Love is the cornerstone upon which our foundation is laid. Love is the subject of movies, novels, and even fairy tales. Love is more than an infatuation. True love is reciprocal and encompasses mutual respect, a deep connection, trust, honesty, empathy, commitment, acceptance, and unconditional support. 

Jesus chose us to become His friends, with whom He shares God’s plan for those who choose to follow. A true friend is described as someone who is consistently supportive, trustworthy, and honest, offering a reliable presence through both good times and bad. A true friend may be someone who accepts you unconditionally, helps you grow, supports you in tough times, and increases your ability to love yourself. 

Notice how similar the definitions of true love and true friendship are and how both perfectly describe the essence of Jesus. Jesus is our forever friend who loves us no matter what, without fear or judgment. What a blessing that Jesus chose us to be His friends. 

Giving Lord, you bless us abundantly! We want friends, but we are unwilling to make ourselves vulnerable. Help us become our authentic selves so that we have nothing to hide. Thank you. We love you, Lord! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen

Thought for the day: Jesus said, “You are my friends if you do what I command” 

Jesus is our faithful friend! Pastor Liz