Do to others, as you would have them do to you. Luke 6:31
Extending friendship, is there a recipe? I think not. We all know what a friend is right. Someone we feel some special connection towards on a deeper level other than just hi. A friend is someone we tend to build a connection, and whether in an instant or over time, it can mean the world. But friendship? Isn’t there a big difference? What’s friendship mean? It really means the state of being a friend, acting like a friend.
So what’s the difference between friends and friendship? Simple, in my mind. We are not going to be friends with everyone, that’s just all there is to it. But we can extend friendship, an attitude of care, interest for and in them, and an awareness they are a beloved child of God. We can think about how someone may feel. Can we offer friendship towards an enemy? You bet, though clearly, it’s not the easiest thing, and in many cases, it’s the last thing we want to do.
But Jesus was a friend to all dear sisters and brothers. He did so by laying down his very life for our sake. And the least we could do is carry on that attitude to everyone.
Was Judas a friend to Jesus, absolutely! Yet he betrayed him. Friendships are messy, they can be hurtful, there’s betrayal, even backstabbing, whether intentional or not. And yet, if there’s real friendship built up, the tough times won’t be so terrible to the point where the beautiful moments are blotted out, and the lasting blessings of friendship through good and bad will be there, period.
So it was for Jesus and his disciples, and so can it be for us. It’s simple right? Ah, wrong, it’s quite hard to offer friendship to everyone.
But here’s the golden rule for a start. Do to others as you would have them do unto you. Notice, no matter how you treat people, Jesus is reminding us we may never get that same positive attitude or treatment in return. But it does not matter. We must, as we follow and serve him, be a friend, offering friendship as best we can to everyone. Breeding and blending a family and fellowship of love to everyone, everywhere to the absolute best of our ability is the key.
So enjoy the friends you have, make new ones, and build on those friendships in all you do. And whoever you’re with, whenever you can, offer a spirit of friendship, modeling a spirit of sacrifice and specialness to everyone you meet. Remember, you answer to God, and he sent Jesus, who showed us how to treat others no matter what they do to you. Carry his word and will in your heart as you live and grow in and for the kingdom of God today!
To God be the glory in Jesus Name
Pastor Brandon
Morning Worship at 10:15 am
with Pastor Brandon,
enjoy the feeling of home and family.
All are Welcome.