Super Friend
Bible Reading: Proverbs 18:24
There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24
Becky feels ditched. She and Victoria were best friends all summer long. They bonded at softball camp. They had sleep-overs at each other’s houses. For vacation Bible school they did up each other’s hair in fwangy ponytails that sprang from their heads in every direction.
But once summer ended, their friendship plummeted like acorns off an oak tree in autumn. No matter where Becky and Victoria went—school, church, Girl Scouts, or just hanging around town—Victoria acted like she no longer knew who Becky was.
Not every human friend acts as mean as Victoria. If you’ve ever been dumped like Becky was, then you know how wonderful it is to have a friend you can depend on. As great as some human friendships get, however, we have one totally unique friendship that outshines and outlasts all the others. It’s our friendship with Jesus Christ. He’s promised to stay with us forever (see Matthew 28:20).
Talk about it: What makes Jesus the perfect friend? How is the friendship he offers different from friendship with any human friend or family member?
Check out these facts about your perfect friend:
Jesus is a full-time friend. He’s always there for you. He doesn’t treat you one way when you’re alone and another way when others are around.
Jesus is your unconditional friend. He always forgives when you fail him. He sticks with you no matter what happens in your life.
Jesus is your dependable friend. You don’t need to fear him mocking you, ditching you, or spilling your secrets. And his promises are even more certain than the fact that the sun will rise tomorrow.
Jesus is your deep friend. He’s never shallow or stupid. He wants a life-changing relationship with you. He treats you with love and respect when you open your heart to him. He shows intense, personal care for you!
When Jesus walked the earth, he wasn’t stiff or stuffy. Ordinary people didn’t cringe when he came around. You don’t have to put on a superspiritual act to attract his attention. Just be yourself with him, and he will be himself with you.
In Jesus you have one great, faithful, unconditional friend. Cultivate your friendship with him every day—and you’ll experience the kind of love that lasts forever.
TALK: Have you made Jesus your best friend? How do you see that affecting your daily life?
PRAY: Jesus, make our friendship with you our best, most important friendship of all.
ACT: Do your friendships with people ever squeeze out time with Jesus? Wouldn’t you like to spend some time with him today?