What would you say if I asked you, “What is a real friend?”
In a recent survey people were asked that question. Here are some of their responses:
A real friend is:
“…someone who listens to me and understands.”
“…someone who stands by me even when he knows the worst thing I’ve ever done.”
“…someone who’s there when I need him most.”
I know someone who wants to be your friend. He understands you even better than you understand yourself. And He loves you more than anyone you’ll ever meet. His name is Jesus Christ.
Before I met Jesus my life was a mere collection of meaningless accomplishment. I tried to fill the emptiness with pleasure, but the good times only lasted for a while. I turned to friends, but they let me down.
Since I’ve known Jesus He’s been a friend who has stuck by me closer than a brother. When my other friends are gone, I’m still not alone because He promised that He will never leave me (Hebrews 13:5).
I can rely on Him. I’m not afraid to be honest with Jesus. I can trust Him with everything. He knows the wrong things I’ve done — what God calls sin. He even knows the thoughts that I’ve hidden from everyone else. And though He hates sin, He still loves me.
Talk is cheap, but Jesus proved His love for me. When I was separated from God by my sin, Jesus took the punishment that I deserved. He gave His life for me. The Bible says: “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).
Jesus sacrificed His life and rose from the dead to pay the penalty for all my sins. I no longer have to hide my face from God because Jesus has given me God’s forgiveness and friendship.
The invitation is open to you if you will:
1. Confess to God that you need His unconditional love, His friendship and forgiveness.
2. Realize that God loves you and believe that Jesus Christ died for your sins: For God so loved the world that he gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).
3. Receive Him into your life and trust Him as your Savior: “To all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12).
If you would like to experience God’s forgiveness and friendship, you can pray something like this: Lord, thank you that You loved me so much that You sent Your Son to die for me. Thank you that He proved that He is my real friend. I invite Him into my life as my Savor, my Lord and my friend”.
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives
For your friendship, for your love.
Lord we thank you for your all mighty grace
And for your strength,
And ask you to continue to bless our lives
Like only you can.
Father we thank you for sending your son Jesus
To live and die among us,
And to inspire us to live righteously
Following in Jesus’ footsteps.
God we love you and thank you for all that surrounds us!
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
