Romans 5:10New Living Translation (NLT)
10 For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son.
Which do you hold dear to you? Do you hold a friendship with God most dear, or do you hold a friendship with the world most dear? We usually say it is God, but is that the real truth?
When I look at this passage in Romans 5:10, we see the heart of the Father who gave his Son. He loves us that much and wants a friendship with us. He restored the friendship so that we can commune with God through his Son.
What is required of us to call ourselves true friends of Jesus?
- True friends will obey the Son. John 15:4 says, “You are my friends if you do whatever I command you.” If you are not obeying him, you are not his friend. God is looking for consistency and regularity in your life.
- The obedience that Jesus requires is active. Some people think it is merely what God states thinking I am not a thief, adulterer, or an alcoholic to name a few. All of this is good and right in refusing to live a wrong lifestyle. True friendship with God is where you choose to do the right things because you are a friend of Christ.
- True friendship obeys Jesus because they want to. Obedience comes as a desire not a duty. Duty says, “I have to do the right thing. I have to read my Bible, and I have to pray.” Obedience gives joy in doing right because you want to do what is right.
We all have what we call fair-weather friends. Jesus fed people, healed people, and raised people from the dead. Are you Jesus’ friend? Do you obey him? Do you follow his commands? Do you spend time with Jesus? Be fair-weather friends with the world. Be a true friend with Jesus.
Strength and Courage
Michael
