Michael W Smith sings, “A friend’s a friend forever if the Lord’s the Lord of them . . . ”

The old hymn says, “What a friend we have in Jesus . . “

The proverb says, “There is a friend that sticks closer than a brother . . .” (Pro 18:24)

Jesus says, “Greater love has no one that this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you.” (John 15:13-14)

All of this came to my mind this morning as I was listening to Roxanne and Chris on WDJC 93.7 FM. They were talking about God (Christ) being our friend. Using an allusion to Facebook, they reminded us that God will never unfriend us.

What a great way to start a Friday! God will NEVER unfriend me.

He will be there for me. He has my best interest in His heart and will. That reminder is something I needed. Thank you, Roxanne and Chris.

There is more to friendship. Some think of friendship as always getting along and always being their for each other without ever disagreeing.  Some think friends always support you and your decisions.

Yet a true friend . . .

• Will tell you when you are wrong.
• Will tell you want don’t want to hear.
• Will tell you to get over yourself.
• Will correct you when you are wrong.
• Will give you the constructive criticism you need.
• Cares enough for you to hurt your feelings to help you change.

God is no different!

There are times the Word of God (Scripture) convicts me. When I hold up my life to His will, I see I am wrong. I don’t want to hear it, but I am. His word tells me to “die to self” in other words get over yourself. Following Christ is to be the end of me. His Word reproves and rebukes – corrects me when I need correction. He sets a standard for me to improve toward. God cares enough about me as His friend to hurt my feelings to lead me to change.

The sad side to this is that sometimes we rebel. We do not want to hear needed correction and we run. God does not unfriend us. He does not abandon us or leave and forsake us. But we leave, forsake, abandon, and unfriend God.  This is the story of the prodigal in Luke 15:11-32. The father considered the lost son was dead. He still loved the son. He still wanted him to be His son. He welcomed Him back when he returned. God as the Father and as our friend will not leave us but allows us to break the relationship even though it wounds Him deeply.

The good news is that God is gracious and although we may not deserve it, when we are ready to be friends again through Grace He welcomes us back.

How great is our God!

-Scott