The honor of your friendship

I have called you friends. — John 15:15

During the marriage ceremony of a British couple, the best man remained motionless. Even after vows were exchanged, he didn’t move.

The still figure was a racecar driver who was trying to be in two places at one time. Because of contractual commitments, Andy Priaulx, three-time world touring-car champion, had to break his promise to participate in his friend’s wedding. So he sent a life-size cardboard cutout of himself, as well as a prerecorded speech. The bride said she was moved by his effort to honor their marriage.

Priaulx’s gesture was certainly creative, and we shouldn’t second-guess his actions. But Jesus gave us another standard by which to gauge friendship.

Jesus asked His disciples to show their friendship to Him by loving one another as He had loved them. Then, He raised the bar. In anticipation of His death on the cross, He said, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends” (John 15:13).

This depth of friendship isn’t merely about doing the right thing. It’s about sacrifice, and it springs out of a relationship with the One who truly did lay down His life for us.

Are we showing others that we have been loved by Jesus as He is loved by His Father? (v. 9). — Mart De Haan

I’ve found a Friend, oh, such a Friend!

He loved me ere I knew Him;

He drew me with the cords of love,

And thus He bound me to Him. — Small

READ: John 15:9-17

Love is more than a sentiment, it’s putting another’s needs ahead of your own.

The Bible in one year:

• Judges 13-15

• Luke 6:27-49