Some Jesus Things: Define Friend

Define Friend

In this age of social media the term ‘Friend’ has been severely watered down. The goal is no longer quality but quantity. Nowadays people run around bragging about how many Friends, Likes, or Followers they have. The underlying goal at these social sites is raw numbers for self-gratification not human connection.

Can a person really have tens of thousands of Friends, that are worthwhile? Can a person give the proper attention, respect, and love to that many?

It is impossible to honestly maintain so many quality relationships. This is not friendship. This is networking and self-indulgence. This is just simply acting friendly for personal gain.

For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. (James 3:16)

When I was growing up my parents taught me, “If you can count all your true friends on one hand, you can count yourself as lucky.”

A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. (Proverbs 18:24)

This begs the question, “What is a true Friend?” I define a Friend as someone; who I know, loves Jesus as God and Savior. Someone I can confide in. Someone who will use this confidential information to help, not harm. Someone who in turn will confide in me for the same reasons. Someone in whom I can completely trust to know my heart and share their heart in return. Someone in whom I do not have to question spiritually: with appropriate loyalty, morality, and ethics….

Someone who can love and be loved….

Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; (Romans 12:10)

Someone who will help you cultivate your Christian walk.

As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend. (Proverbs 27:17)

Satan’s Perversion

Satan prefers that you just shoot a quick text; rather than speaking and listening to a meaningful voice call. Satan has convinced the world that it’s easier to video chat than to spend quality time together; greeted with a kiss and ended with a hug.

Satan rules the air which includes the airwaves, internet and cell phones. Satan uses these as tools to disconnect the hearts of mankind. Satan does not want people to spend quality time together. Satan wants the world full of superficial, temporary, and fake relationships.

And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others. (Ephesians 2:1-3)

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:12)

Satan prefers people to believe and adopt a perspective they read or find as truth on the internet, through hearsay, fake friends, false prophets, and the carnal minded who choose to practice a more Friendly Worldly view.

Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. (1 Timothy 4:1-3)

Jesus defines Friend

Jesus teaches us what a Friend really is. His description teaches us that a Friend enjoys keeping God’s commandments. A Friend respects and abides in a set boundary of rules which show respect and love to one another even unto death. A Friend brings joy to one another. A Friend confides in one another. A Friend does not keep secrets. A Friend does what is expected from one another. A Friend will share these qualities and bear its fruit to others. A Friend will share and give only the good of all things to one another. Friends love one another.

“As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you. You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. These things I command you, that you love one another. (John 15:9-17)

Choose Wisely

The bible not only defines what a Friend is, it also guides us in how we should pick our friends.

I’m sure most have heard the phrase, “You are what you eat.” We can apply this philosophy to the people we call friends, and those we hang out with. The company we keep and those in whom we seek companionship will ultimately influence our actions and beliefs.

Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” (1 Corinthians 15:33)

We are not only accountable for the people we let into our lives; we are all the more accountable for those who are affected; influenced by our daily walk.

The righteous should choose his friends carefully, For the way of the wicked leads them astray. (Proverbs 12:26)

When we choose our friends and companions based upon a strong spiritual, moral, and ethical basis; both theirs and our lives are equally enriched. The bible warns that there are those in the carnal world that seek only to use you, waste your time, and cause you harm.

He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will be destroyed. (Proverbs 13:20)

A scoffer seeks wisdom and does not find it, But knowledge is easy to him who understands. Go from the presence of a foolish man, When you do not perceive in him the lips of knowledge. (Proverbs 14:6-7)

The above verses have dealt with several qualities that define the makeup of a person; except their emotional integrity or stability. Some such qualities that drive bad behaviorism come from people who practice immoral behaviors like drunkenness, sexually immorality, idolaters, covetousness, and so forth. Also be wary of people full of rage, always angry and said to have a ‘mean streak’. The bible warns us not to fellowship with such people or even to break bread with them!

But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—not even to eat with such a person. (1 Corinthians 5:11)

Make no friendship with an angry man, And with a furious man do not go, Lest you learn his ways And set a snare for your soul. (Proverbs 22:24-25)

Be a Friend

The Golden Rule is a biblical principal, teaching us to treat people the way we would like to be treated. This is the very standard by which the entire law of God is based.

Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. (Matthew 7:12)

By following the laws of God and applying them within our friendships; we find a common thread. The common thread of being Christlike. We should have tender forgiving hearts able to take a staunch stance of first pleasing God.

Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. (Ephesians 4:29-32)

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. (Colossians 3:12-14)

Are You Jesus’ Friend?

Being friends with Jesus means that you allow yourself to be completely defined by Him. We are to study the living word of God so that we may know and possess the necessary thoughts and actions required to be Christlike.

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. (Joshua 1:8)

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:1-2)

Being Christlike means: We studiously seize the knowledge within the bible to know the will and mind of Jesus. Eager to implement the fruits of our study within our actions, behavior, and daily walk as a loving reflection of a living Jesus within us. Mutually doing as He wills to and for others. The following four verses expound upon this truncated definition.

A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher. (Luke 6:40)

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15)

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, (2 Timothy 3:16)

Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ. (1 Corinthians 11:1)

It is through our Salvation belief in Jesus we can be guided and led by the Holy Spirit forming the living Christ Jesus which dwells within us.

For “who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ. (1 Corinthians 2:16)

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, (Philippians 2:5)

Many times I hear people say, “I believe in God. Or I believe in Jesus.” The problem is; I don’t always believe them because, “I can not find their fruit.” Thankfully; once again, the bible teaches how to discern the truth.

Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them. (Matthew 7:15-20)

By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. (John 15:8)

Another comment I often hear is, “I’m sold out for Jesus,” or “I love Jesus with all my heart.”

Often, I find this to just be ‘lip service’ given as deceptive jargon to misguide or hide the truth. Here again, the bible guides us in discernment knowledge to teach us who is indeed a follower of Jesus.

Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (John 8:31-32)

By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another. (John 13:35)

Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. (1 John 2:3)

It’s too hard to be Good

Many times I meet believers who struggle with doing the right thing. To this I say, “Only if you are still trying to hang on to your fleshly carnal nature.” because, “You must be desiring your sin more than your Savior.”

You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the Lord’s table and of the table of demons. (1 Corinthians 10:21)

Those who are in a constant battle burdened by having to make the right choices are definitely not ‘Sold out for Jesus’ or ‘Love Him with all their heart.’

Maturing in your walk with the Lord, means that doing the right thing and believing the words that Jesus preached; become your way of life and just as natural as taking a breath of fresh air.

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart. (Psalm 37:4)

Confirm Request Delete Request.

Have you answered the call of Jesus?
Have you accepted His Friend Request?
Have you dangerously decided to put it off till your through having ‘some fun’?

Have you turned away and slammed the door in His face?

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. (Revelation 3:20)

Jesus promises to enter our lives when we open the door to Him. It is Jesus who knocks on the door of your heart through His Holy Spirit.

Jesus want’s so very much to come to you and be your Eternal Friend. Jesus desires to have regular loving visits sharing friendly, caring guidance and counsel with you.

What a horrible everlasting catastrophe it would be, that anyone should ever be too busy, uninterested, or unbelieving to form a warm, loving, lasting friendship with Jesus.

As a close Friend and Follower of Jesus there is no danger of being rejected on judgment day. Jesus longs to personally welcome you into His kingdom.

Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: (Matthew 25:34)

Pray Now!! Pray this simple prayer to trust Jesus as your Savior and Friend:

“Lord Jesus, I am a sinner and I need a Savior. Right now I will turn away and repent from my sin and accept you as my Lord and Savior. I trust and believe that You are the Son of God, my Lord and Savior for my salvation, I know and believe that You died on the Cross and rose again from the grave to pay for my sins. I thank you for saving me. Amen.”