The psalmist David was surrounded by people in King Saul’s court. But he treasured a good friend in the king’s son, Jonathan. Jonathan risked his life to watch David’s back. When Jonathan was killed in battle, David lamented for him and cried that Jonathan’s friendship was better than a woman’s to him. (I Samuel 20; II Samuel 1:26)

King Solomon, David’s son, wrote, “A friend loves at all times” (Proverbs 17:17). “A friend sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24). “He that would have friends must show himself friendly” (Proverbs 18:24). Friendship takes time, investment, and vulnerability. (I Corinthians 13) It would be tragic to come to the end of your life with many riches but no true friends. Cultivate and cherish true friends.

As rewarding as earthly friendships are, it can’t be compared to being a friend of God. It is truly amazing that God, the creator of the universe, desires and delights to be our friend. Most religions of the world cannot comprehend this concept. “God spoke to Moses as to a friend” (Exodus 33:11). “Abraham was called a friend of God” (James 2:23). Jesus was called a friend of sinners.

Human friends may disappoint, betray us, or die. But God will never let you down nor forsake you. He is forever and wherever you are. He’s “the friend who sticks closer than a brother.” He proved his love by laying down his life on the cross for us. He desires and invites you to a daily intimate fellowship with him. (Revelations 3:20) Begin and end each day by spending time with this friend through his Word and prayer. You’ll be blessed and become a blessing.

It was prophesied that the Messiah would be betrayed by one of his closest friends for 30 pieces of silver. (Psalm 41:9: Zechariah 11:12-13) Even when Judas betrayed him with a kiss, Jesus called him “friend”. Jesus modeled God’s love and the marks of friendship. (I Peter 2:21-15); I Corinthians 13:4-13)

Friends, being human, may not always follow through on their promises. You may not be accepted by certain groups of people. But you will always be accepted in “the beloved”. God always keeps his word. Listen to this great assurance, “Now you have every spiritual gift you need as you eagerly wait for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will keep you strong right up to the end . . . God will surely do this for you, for he always does just what he says and he is the one who invited you into this wonderful friendship with his Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord” (I Corinthians 1:7-9 NLT).

Jesus taught three amazing things about friendship in John 15. Consider how these three revelations apply to you personally.

1 – “I command you to love each other in the same way that I love you . . . the greatest love is shown when people lay down their lives for their friends” (John 15:12-13 NLT).

2 – “You are my friends if you obey me” (John 15:13).

3 – “I no longer call you servants . . . now you are my friends” (John 15:15).

Jesus laid down his life for us. What condition must we meet if we are to be his friend? Jesus tells us plainly, “If you obey me.” What a great privilege! Not only are we his servants if we obey him, but friends. As his friends we can know the secret and wonderful things of God. You can have the assurance of His presence with you always.

You can begin a glorious friendship with God when you answer his knock at your heart’s door.

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If any man hears my voice and opens unto me, I will come into him and sup with him and he with me” (Revelation 3:20).